STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The first baby born at Staten Island University Hospital in 2026 joins a family already steeped in gratitude after several members survived the recent terror attack at a Hanukkah event in Australia.

Known until his bris as Baby Boy Green, the 7 pound, 11 ounce newborn was delivered at 3:50 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Joining the baby’s mom, dad and sister in their hospital room on Friday was the baby’s 12-year-old uncle, Yossi Althaus, who lives in Australia and barely survived the massacre at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14 that left 15 dead.

“He dodged a bullet on that horrible day,” said Chaya Mushka Green, the mother of Baby Boy Green and sister of Yossi. “And today we’re just trying to celebrate life and feel gratitude for those who did make it, and heartbreak for those who did not make it…

“(We are very) grateful that Yossi’s here with us today and he can be with his nephew. I’m not taking that for granted, so thank God for that.”

Yossi recalled that he was having fun with friends on Dec. 14 when he heard what he first thought was fireworks. But then he felt something hit him, and a second sound left his ears ringing.

“I ran to take cover…with one of my friends. We sat there for a few hours until an ambulance could collect me,” Yossi said.

He was hit in the arm with shrapnel, possibly from a shotgun.

“I’m really excited in a time of darkness, finally one bit of light came, and I’m really happy,” Yossi said of meeting his baby nephew.

Yossi was at Bondi Beach with his parents, who also survived, and are currently in New York to welcome the baby.

“Unfortunately, the antisemitism has been really, really bad in Australia the last couple of years, and needs to be addressed immediately,” Chaya Green said. “So we are just grateful that Yossi is alive and well for today.”

Chaya Green is originally from Sydney, Australia; the family moved to New York in 2022.

“We absolutely love New York City and feel very lucky to be part of this side of the world,” she said.

An early arrival

Chaya Green said Baby Boy Green was due Jan. 6.

“Baby had other plans and decided to make a New Year’s appearance,” she said on Friday. “So, very, very excited that he came on such a special day. New year, new love, new energy, so we’re very excited.”

Perhaps the most excited family member is the baby’s sister, Zohar, who “waited nine long years to have a brother.”

“I’m just so happy to be a big sister,” she said.

A special surprise from the FerryHawks

Front office staff from the FerryHawks were also on hand Friday to declare “Baby Boy Green is the FerryHawk fan of the year.”

Staten Island University Hospital is the naming sponsor for Community Ballpark, the home stadium of the FerryHawks in St. George.

The team’s general manager, Gary Perone, announced that being the first baby born at the hospital, a “little hawk,” will get Baby Boy Green a season ticket for life.

The announcement was met with oohs and aahs by the gathered family.

The FerryHawks will further recognize the baby and his family during a game at SIUH Community Park during the upcoming 2026 season.

“Baby Boy culturally is 50% Australian and 50% American,” said dad Justin Green. “So we’re hoping this baseball event can punt him over to the American side and cement him into our proud tradition.”

After a chuckle from those gathered, Justin Green continued, “we’re grateful to have everyone here to celebrate this special day, and make it…even more special.”