A horrific shooting at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration has left at least 15 civilians dead, sending shockwaves through Australia’s Jewish community and the nation at large. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, targeted families and individuals gathered to mark the first night of the Jewish Festival of Lights, resulting in a devastating loss of life that includes religious leaders, children, and a Holocaust survivor.
Among the confirmed victims was 10-year-old Matilda, remembered by her former teacher as “a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her.” The Harmony Russian School of Sydney, where Matilda was a student, expressed profound grief over her passing, noting she succumbed to gunshot injuries in the hospital. Family members revealed Matilda’s sister, who witnessed the tragedy, is struggling with the unimaginable loss of her constant companion.
The attack claimed the life of Eli Schlanger, 41, the British-born rabbi known as the “Bondi Rabbi” who organized the Hanukkah event. As head of the local Chabad mission, Schlanger leaves behind a wife and five children, his youngest merely two months old. Colleagues and family described him as “an incredible guy” and “the most godly, humane, kind, gracious human being.”
French national Dan Elkayam, an IT analyst who recently moved to Australia, was also identified among the victims. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed Elkayam’s death, expressing “immense sadness” over the loss of his compatriot. The passionate footballer was remembered by his Sydney club as “an extremely talented and popular figure” among teammates.
Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman, who migrated from Ukraine to Australia, perished while heroically shielding his wife Larisa from gunfire. The couple, both Holocaust survivors themselves, had shared their harrowing childhood experiences of persecution in a recent interview. Chabad organization noted Kleytman died protecting his wife, leaving behind two children and eleven grandchildren.
The tragedy also claimed former police officer Peter Meagher, who was working as an event photographer when violence erupted. His rugby club described his death as “catastrophic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” noting the irony that he survived decades in police service only to be killed in retirement while pursuing his passion for photography.
Reuven Morrison, who immigrated from the Soviet Union in the 1970s seeking safety from antisemitism, was another victim identified by community organizations. Described as a successful businessman who generously supported charitable causes, Morrison had specifically chosen Australia believing it to be “the safest country in the world” for Jewish families.
The international community has expressed solidarity with Australia as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the attack that has shattered the nation’s sense of security and left multiple families grieving during what should have been a joyful holiday celebration.