Sydney Holds First Funeral for Bondi Shooting Victim, Rabbi Eli Schlanger

Sydney, Australia – The first funeral for a victim of the Bondi Beach shooting has taken place in Sydney, with thousands attending the service for Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Rabbi Schlanger was one of 15 individuals killed when two gunmen initiated an attack at a festival marking the first day of Hanukkah. The Australian Prime Minister stated that the attackers appear to have been inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group. Rabbi Schlanger, 41, was known as the "Bondi Rabbi" and had assisted in organizing the Sunday event. He was born in the United Kingdom, and his wife gave birth to their fifth child two months prior to the incident. Rabbi Levi Wolff opened the service, held at the Chabad of Bondi. Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, Rabbi Schlanger's father-in-law, addressed the congregation, referring to Rabbi Schlanger as "my son, my friend, my confidant." Rabbi Ulman also encouraged Jewish individuals not to conceal their identity following the attack. He confirmed that a 31-year-old tradition of lighting the final Hanukkah candle on Bondi Beach would proceed on Sunday night, with rabbis from the Chabad house participating. Funerals for other victims are scheduled. The funeral for Rabbi Yaakov Levitan is expected on Wednesday afternoon, and the funeral for 10-year-old Matilda, identified as the youngest victim, is scheduled for Thursday. Matilda's father spoke to reporters in Bondi on Wednesday. He acknowledged the assistance provided by lifesavers, bystanders, and police officers who attempted to save his daughter. He also expressed gratitude to an unidentified woman who provided assistance to his younger daughter, Summer, during the event.