A tragic mass shooting on December 14, 2023, during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia claimed the lives of 15 individuals and left dozens injured. In a harrowing display of courage, two elderly bystanders, Boris Gurman and Sofia Gurman, attempted to disarm one of the attackers before being fatally shot. Their actions are part of a broader narrative of heroism witnessed that day, as others also rushed to confront the assailants. Among them was Reuven Morrison, a 62-year-old grandfather, who died while throwing bricks at one of the gunmen. Another bystander, Ahmed al Ahmed, a father of two, was wounded but managed to wrest the gun from an attacker.
Videos capturing these moments of bravery have gone viral, prompting discussions about the psychology behind such heroic actions. Dr. Ari Kohen, a political scientist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and author of “Untangling Heroism,” notes that while these courageous acts may appear common, they are actually quite rare. “Most people don’t do this. It’s risky. It’s dangerous,” Kohen stated.
Understanding the Psychology of Heroism
The instinct to act in a crisis can be influenced by numerous factors, including shared experiences and empathy. Survivors and family members of the victims at Bondi Beach have expressed sentiments echoed by heroes worldwide: a belief that they simply did what anyone would do. Matt Langdon, executive director of the Heroic Imagination Project, emphasizes that such statements often downplay the gravity of their actions. “They were compelled to do it. There wasn’t really an option,” Langdon explained.
The concept of the “bystander effect,” rooted in the infamous 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese in New York, showcases why many individuals fail to act in emergencies. In that case, it was believed that numerous witnesses did not intervene, leading to widespread assumptions about apathy in society. Yet, subsequent research has shown that many details of the Genovese case were misrepresented, complicating our understanding of how people respond in crises. While the bystander effect persists, experts suggest it is nuanced; some individuals do step up, even against their instincts for self-preservation.
Factors Influencing Heroic Behavior
According to Dr. Steven Quartz, a professor at Caltech, a combination of psychological factors must converge for individuals to overcome their natural survival instincts. “Humans have an overwhelming desire for self-preservation,” Quartz notes. He posits that empathy plays a crucial role in prompting brave actions, as those who feel a deep connection to others are more likely to intervene during emergencies.
Empathy can be influenced by various factors, including personal identification with victims. Despite the diverse backgrounds of the individuals involved in the Bondi Beach incident—ranging from Ukrainian immigrants to a Muslim father and an Orthodox Jew—Langdon suggests that the shared environment of Bondi Beach, a popular gathering place for various communities, may have fostered a sense of unity among bystanders.
Historic examples support this notion. During World War II, an entire village in France, Le Chambon-Sur-Lignon, risked their lives to save Jewish refugees from the Nazis, drawing on their own history of persecution to empathize with those in need.
The emotional response to witnessing violence can also catalyze action. Langdon indicates that many bystanders at Bondi Beach acted out of anger at the disruption of their peaceful setting. “When we see something that violently disagrees with our worldview, we are compelled to act,” he stated.
Encouraging Heroism Through Awareness and Training
The increasing visibility of heroic acts on social media may help cultivate a culture of heroism. Kohen believes that these narratives contribute to a growing public awareness that rescue efforts, while dangerous, are achievable by ordinary individuals. “It’s starting to get into the public consciousness that rescue is, while dangerous, something that ordinary people can do,” he remarked.
Research indicates that exposure to role models and examples of bravery can inspire others to take similar actions in critical situations. Even fictional portrayals of heroism can have a significant impact on individuals’ willingness to step forward during emergencies. Kohen suggests that fostering empathy can also be achieved through literature that encourages readers to explore different perspectives.
Practical training can further prepare individuals for emergencies. Kohen advocates for equipping people with skills such as CPR and first aid, which can empower them to act decisively when needed. “When people have this in their toolkit, it seems very clear that you’re much more likely to be a helper,” he concluded.
Reflecting on the events at Bondi Beach, Kohen emphasizes that everyday heroism is within reach for everyone. “These people are just like us. Sometimes, people just find themselves in a terrible situation, and they act. That’s something possible for all of us.”
