Who Were the Victims of the Bondi Beach Hanukkah Shooting in Sydney?
Faces Behind the Tragedy: The Victims of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack
A horrific mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, has left the nation and the world in mourning after gunmen opened fire on hundreds of people gathered for the festival. The attack, which authorities have classified as antisemitic terrorism, killed at least 16 people and injured dozens more, with victims ranging in age from a 10-year-old child to elderly community members.
Among those killed were a young girl, two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and several other members of the Jewish community whose lives had been richly woven into their families and broader society.
One of the most heart-breaking losses was that of 10-year-old Matilda, a primary school student described by family and friends as bright, joyful, and spirited. Her aunt confirmed her death late Sunday night, and community tributes have poured in for the child whose life was cut tragically short.
Also killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a British-born assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, the organization that hosted the "Chanukah by the Sea" event. Schlanger was deeply involved in Jewish life in Sydney and was well-known for his community work. He was a devoted father of five, recently welcoming a new child into his family. Colleagues and friends remember him for his warmth and dedication to fostering connection and faith.
Another religious leader struck down in the attack was Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, who served as secretary of the Sydney Jewish religious court (Beth Din). His loss has been keenly felt within the local Jewish community, where he was respected for his scholarship and service.
Among the victims was Alex Kleytman, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who had escaped the horrors of World War II and built a life in Australia. Kleytman and his wife, both survivors of wartime persecution, were attending the Hanukkah event with family. Reports indicate he was killed while trying to protect his loved ones during the attack.
Other victims included Reuven Morrison, a member of the Chabad community, and Dan Elkayam, a French national who was also celebrated for his contributions to community life. Sydney's diverse communities have united in grief following the shooting, and Australian leaders have pledged to address rising hate and violence.
The massacre has not only stunned Australia but also drawn international condemnation. Flags have been lowered to half-mast, and vigils are being held across the country in memory of those killed and to support the survivors and families left to cope with unimaginable loss.
