This article details the identities of several individuals confirmed deceased following a shooting incident at Bondi Beach on Sunday. The event occurred during a gathering for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Authorities have identified some of the victims, who include a 10-year-old girl, two rabbis, and a Holocaust survivor.These are the individuals identified so far:
Matilda, 10
Authorities confirmed that a 10-year-old girl, identified by her family to local media as Matilda, was among the deceased. Irina Goodhew, a former teacher, organized a fundraiser for the girl's mother. The Harmony Russian School of Sydney confirmed Matilda was a former student, announcing her passing due to gunshot injuries. Her aunt stated that Matilda's sister was present with her during the shooting.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41
Eli Schlanger, known as the "Bondi Rabbi," was a primary organizer of the event. He headed the local Chabad mission, an international Hasidic Jewish organization. The British-born father of five, whose youngest child was two months old, had his death confirmed by his cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis. Chabad acknowledged his passing on its website.
Dan Elkayam
French national Dan Elkayam's death was confirmed by France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot via social media. Elkayam, an IT analyst for NBCUniversal, had relocated to Australia the previous year. He was a member of the Rockdale Ilindin Football Club in west Sydney, which acknowledged his passing on its Facebook page.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was a Holocaust survivor who had immigrated to Australia from Ukraine. His wife, Larisa Kleytman, reported they were present during the incident. Chabad stated that Alexander died while shielding his wife. He is survived by his wife, two children, and eleven grandchildren. Both Alexander and Larisa Kleytman had shared their life experiences, including their survival during the Holocaust, with Jewish Care in 2023.
Peter Meagher
Former police officer Peter Meagher was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event when he was killed. His rugby club, Randwick Rugby Club, confirmed his death. Meagher had spent nearly four decades in the NSW Police Force and was involved with the rugby club for many years.