18/06/2026
This moment stopped us in our tracks. We want to share it with our community.
When Harris Levitan learned that his son, Yaakov, had been murdered on December 14, he boarded the next flight from South Africa to be with Yaakov’s wife and four children. Since that day, he has stayed by their side.
Wanting to give back and do something meaningful, Harris began volunteering with COA, delivering fresh produce and kosher meals to seniors in our community.
On one day last week, the couple he was delivering to opened a memorial book to show him that their daughter, Sofia, and son-in-law, Boris Gurman, were among the people killed in the Bondi attack. Harris looked at the book and pointed to another name in it.
His son.
In a moment no one would ever wish for, two parents standing at a front door were brought together through profound loss.
COA deliveries are never only about the food. They are a knock at the door from a familiar face, knowing someone cares and a moment of real human connection.
There are many stories of how Yaakov helped so many people. Harris honours Yaakov’s memory through helping others. This time it was the family of the Gurman’s.
May their memories be a blessing.
