The parents of an American student who was wounded in the Bondi Beach shooting massacre say their son came to Australia to volunteer and spread love.
Leibel Lazaroff was shot in the leg and abdomen and has undergone surgery.
He is one of 24 people who remain in hospitals across Sydney, including eight in a critical condition.
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Rabbi Yossi Lazaroff and Manya Lazaroff told 9News their son had only been in Australia for two months, at the invitation of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who died in the attack, and had intended to volunteer, spread love and kindness, and share the message of his religion.
The couple began their trip to Australia the moment they heard news.
"Feeling a little helpless on the other side of the world in America," Yossi Lazaroff said.
"It's a tragedy.
"We're asking people to light in his honour, to light in his merit, for a speedy recovery."
Earlier, the families of the two police officers injured during the shooting released a statement of support "to the loved ones of those who were killed and injured" in the massacre.
READ MORE: The 'devastating' human tragedy of the Bondi terror attack
Constable Scott Dyson and Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert are both in hospital, with Hibbert undergoing surgery to his shoulder and eye at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Dyson and Hibbert's families shared their "heartfelt gratitude to all first responders who acted with courage, in particular the police officers and paramedics who responded".
"They also wish to thank their hospital team, and especially those in ICU," NSW Police said in a statement on Monday.
"They thank the community for their support but have asked for privacy as their loved ones focus on recovery and healing."
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said he had met with Hibbert's family yesterday and praised his actions.
"He was extremely brave when everyone was running away," Park said.
"He was essentially running towards where the incident was taking place and that's an incredible level of bravery."
Park added it was a "rough road ahead", but that he was receiving world-class care.
READ MORE: CCTV captures dad and son alleged shooters heading for Bondi
As of 4pm on Tuesday, NSW Health confirmed 24 patients were still in hospitals, including eight in a critical condition:
- Two patients are in a stable condition at Prince of Wales Hospital.
- One patient is in a critical but stable condition, and one patient is in a stable condition at St George Hospital.
- One patient is in a stable condition at Sydney Eye Hospital.
- Two patients are in a critical condition, two patients are in a critical but stable condition and one patient is stable at St Vincent's Hospital.
- One patient is in a critical condition, two patients are in a critical but stable condition and three patients are stable at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
- Three patients are in a stable condition at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.
- Three patients are in a stable condition at Royal North Shore Hospital.
- Two patients are in a stable condition at Liverpool Hospital.
"We have around 24 in our hospitals, importantly, eight of those are critical, 16 of those are more stable, still serious many of them," Park said.
One of the children, an eight-month-old baby, has since been discharged from Sydney Children's Hospital.
"Some (patients) in that category of critical... will have ongoing surgery for devastating injuries as a result of this horrendous attack."
One of the terrorists allegedly responsible, Naveed Akram, 24, is in hospital under police guard.
Police have confirmed he has woken from a coma.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon yesterday suggested it was likely he would survive to face criminal charges.
The other alleged shooter, his father Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police on Sunday.
READ MORE: Rabbis, Holocaust survivor, young girl and French citizen identified as victims of Bondi attack
A community reception centre has been established at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.
Loved ones of those affected by the shooting and witnesses of the shooting are being urged to attend the centre and speak to support officers and investigators.
Anyone seeking general information is urged to contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) by calling 1800 227 228 or for general mental health or victim support services visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/bondi-beach-attack
Loved ones trying to get in touch can also use the Red Cross's Register.Find.Reunite service.
If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi there is support available.
To contact Lifeline Australia, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. For people under 25 years old, you can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800. Both of these are available on a 24/7 basis. If you wish to donate blood, you can find your nearest donor centre here.
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