A mass shooting incident occurred at Bondi Beach, Sydney, on Sunday, December 14th, resulting in the deaths of 15 civilians. The attack took place during a gathering for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Authorities have identified several victims, and initial funeral services have been held, with the community initiating periods of mourning and remembrance.
Incident Details
On Sunday, December 14th, two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach during an event marking the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The incident resulted in 15 confirmed civilian fatalities. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the attackers appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group.
Identified Victims
Authorities have confirmed the identities of several individuals who died in the incident:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41: Known as the "Bondi Rabbi," he was a primary organizer of the Hanukkah event and headed the local Chabad mission, an international Hasidic Jewish organization. British-born, he is survived by his wife and five children, his youngest child having been born two months prior to the incident. His death was confirmed by his cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, and acknowledged by Chabad.
- Matilda, 10: The youngest victim, identified by her family, was a former student at the Harmony Russian School of Sydney. She died from gunshot injuries. Her aunt stated that her sister was present with her during the shooting. Matilda's father publicly acknowledged the assistance provided by lifesavers, bystanders, and police officers, as well as an unidentified woman who aided his younger daughter, Summer, during the event.
- Dan Elkayam: A French national, his death was confirmed by France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Mr. Elkayam, an IT analyst for NBCUniversal, had relocated to Australia the previous year and was a member of the Rockdale Ilindin Football Club.
- Alexander Kleytman: A Holocaust survivor who immigrated to Australia from Ukraine. Reports indicate he died while shielding his wife, Larisa Kleytman, during the attack. He is survived by his wife, two children, and eleven grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Kleytman had shared their life experiences, including their survival during the Holocaust, with Jewish Care in 2023.
- Peter Meagher: A former police officer, Mr. Meagher was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event. He had served nearly four decades in the NSW Police Force and was associated with the Randwick Rugby Club.
Another victim, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, has been identified, with funeral services scheduled.
Funeral Services
The first funeral for a victim of the attack was held for Rabbi Eli Schlanger in Sydney. Thousands attended the service, which was officiated by Rabbi Levi Wolff at the Chabad of Bondi. Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, Rabbi Schlanger's father-in-law, addressed the congregation, encouraging the Jewish community to uphold traditions. Rabbi Wolff acknowledged Rabbi Schlanger's dedication to community care.
Upcoming funeral services included those for Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, and for 10-year-old Matilda, scheduled for Thursday.
Community Response and Mourning
The community has engaged in various acts of remembrance and mourning following the incident.
- Hanukkah Candle Lighting: The 31-year-old practice of lighting the final Hanukkah candle on Bondi Beach proceeded, with rabbis from the Chabad house participating.
- Vigil at Bondi Pavilion: More than 2,000 individuals attended a vigil at Bondi Pavilion, marking the conclusion of the Jewish mourning period known as Shloshim. The service included testimonies from witnesses and family members. A musical tribute, a rendition of "Waltzing Matilda," was performed in honor of 10-year-old Matilda. Rabbi Yossi Friedman addressed the gathering, stating that victims "ran towards the bullets, covering others."
- Jewish Mourning Traditions: Jewish traditions include prompt funerals, followed by Shiva, a seven-day period of intense grieving where a candle burns continuously and the Mourner's Kaddish is recited. The subsequent 30-day Shloshim period allows for a gradual return to daily life. Stones, symbolizing enduring remembrance, were placed at a temporary memorial at Bondi Pavilion and are being collected for future commemorative artwork.
- National Day of Mourning: A National Day of Mourning was observed as victims' families concluded the Shloshim period. The Chabad Community in Bondi adopted "Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance" as its theme for community gatherings. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described this as a message of hope and unity for Australians, encouraging a minute of silence, placing a candle, and undertaking an act of kindness (mitzvah).
- Emanuel Synagogue: The Emanuel Synagogue in Sydney's east has provided support to its congregants. During a memorial service, a survivor of the Bondi attack encouraged the community to choose compassion. Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio emphasizes moving forward after loss, advocating for bringing goodness into the world and transforming tragedy into healing.