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Fifteen civilians killed in Bondi Beach shooting during Hanukkah event
At least 15 people were confirmed dead after a gunman opened fire on Sunday at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where families had gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. Authorities have begun releasing the names and stories of those killed in the attack.
Victims include rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a child
Among the victims were two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl identified by her family as Matilda. The girl's former teacher, Irina Goodhew, described her 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 its grief in a Facebook post, calling her death a "tragic loss."
Matilda's aunt told ABC News that the girl's sister, who was with her during the attack, is struggling to cope with the loss. "They were like twins-they've never been separated," she said.
Community leaders and families mourn
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, known as the "Bondi Rabbi," was a key organizer of the event and head of the local Chabad mission. His cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, confirmed his death on Instagram, calling him "an incredible guy" who leaves behind a wife and five children, including a two-month-old infant. Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry described Schlanger as "the most godly, humane, kind, gracious human being."
French national Dan Elkayam, an IT analyst for NBCUniversal and a footballer with the Rockdale Ilinden Football Club, was also killed. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed his death, expressing condolences to his family and the Australian Jewish community. The football club called Elkayam "an extremely talented and popular figure."
Holocaust survivor died shielding his wife
Alexander Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor who emigrated from Ukraine, was killed while protecting his wife, Larisa, from the gunfire. Chabad wrote on X that he "died shielding her from the gunman's bullets," leaving behind two children and 11 grandchildren. Larisa recounted the moment of the attack: "We were standing and suddenly came the 'boom boom,' and everybody fell down."
In a 2023 interview with Jewish Care, the couple shared their harrowing experiences during the Holocaust, with Alexander recalling the "dreadful conditions in Siberia."
Other victims identified
Former police officer Peter Meagher, known as "Marzo," was working as a freelance photographer at the event when he was killed. His rugby club, Randwick Rugby Club, described him as a "much-loved figure" who had spent nearly four decades in the NSW Police Force. "The tragic irony is that he spent so long in the dangerous front line as a Police Officer and was struck down in retirement," the club said.
Reuven Morrison, who migrated to Australia from the former Soviet Union in the 1970s, was also among the victims. Chabad described him as a "successful businessman" who donated his earnings to charity. In an interview with the ABC last year, Morrison had expressed hope that Australia would remain a safe haven for Jewish families.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, a coordinator for Chabad activities in Sydney and secretary of the Sydney Beth Din, was also killed. Tibor Weitzen, 78, died while shielding a family friend, according to Chabad. He was a "beloved" member of the Bondi Chabad Synagogue.
Community and authorities respond
As details of the victims emerge, the Jewish community and wider public are grappling with the scale of the tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate the attack, while vigils and memorials are being organized to honor those lost.
