Sydney witnessed profound grief as thousands gathered to honor Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the first victim of the Bondi Beach shooting to be laid to rest. The 41-year-old British-born community leader, affectionately known as the ‘Bondi Rabbi,’ was among 15 fatalities when two assailants allegedly inspired by Islamic State ideology opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration.
Rabbi Levi Wolff characterized Schlanger’s death as an ‘unspeakable loss’ for both the local community and the global Jewish nation during the emotionally charged service. Schlanger’s father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, remembered him as ‘my son, my friend, my confidant,’ expressing regret for not more frequently vocalizing his love and appreciation. Schlanger leaves behind a wife who recently gave birth to their fifth child just two months ago.
In a powerful demonstration of resilience, Ulman announced that the Jewish community would maintain a 31-year tradition by lighting the final Hanukkah candle on Bondi Beach despite the tragedy. ‘We will gather under the banner of our Chabad house of Bondi, to which Eli dedicated his life,’ he declared, urging community members not to retreat from public life.
The funeral proceedings continue with services scheduled for Rabbi Yaakov Levitan on Wednesday afternoon and 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim, on Thursday. Matilda’s father publicly thanked lifesavers, bystanders, and police officers who assisted during the attack, specifically acknowledging an unidentified woman who protected his younger daughter Summer throughout the ten-minute shooting.
The memorial service attracted prominent figures including Opposition leader Sussan Ley, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, former prime minister Scott Morrison, and Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s absence drew attention, with him explaining on ABC NewsRadio that he attends events by invitation only. This comes amid criticism from the Jewish community regarding his administration’s handling of antisemitism.
In response, Albanese detailed measures including appointing Australia’s first antisemitism envoy, strengthening hate speech legislation, and increasing funding for social cohesion initiatives and Jewish institutions.
Regarding the investigation, authorities indicated that one suspect, Naveed Akram, would face charges pending assessment of his medical condition after awakening from a coma. Akram and his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram who was fatally shot by police, allegedly traveled to the Philippines in November, with investigations ongoing into potential connections with Islamic extremists.
The human cost extended to two police officers critically injured during the incident. Twenty-two-year-old Constable Jack Hibbert, with merely four months of service, lost vision in one eye yet demonstrated ‘courage, instinct, and selflessness’ throughout the attack. His colleague Constable Scott Dyson remained in critical but stable condition following additional surgery.