On Sunday, gunmen opened fire at a gathering on Bondi beach as the community marked the first day of Hanukkah. Authorities have confirmed at least 15 deaths, including two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, a French national and a ten‑year‑old girl.
Victims identified so far
Matilda, 10
Matilda, a bright and joyful child, was named by her family to local media as one of the victims. Her former teacher Irina Goodhew described her as “spirited” and “bringing light to everyone.” The Harmony Russian School of Sydney confirmed she was a student and expressed deep condolences. Matilda’s sister, who was with her at the time of the shooting, said the loss is overwhelming, describing the sisters as “like twins.”
Rabbi Eli Schlanger
Known as the “Bondi Rabbi,” 41‑year‑old Eli Schlanger headed the local Chabad mission. He was a British‑born father of five; his youngest child was two months old. His cousin Rabbi Zalman Lewis announced his death on Instagram, noting he left behind his wife, children, uncle, aunt and siblings. Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry called him “the most godly, humane, kind, gracious human being.”
Dan Elkayam
French national Dan Elkayam, an IT analyst for NBCUniversal, was confirmed dead by France’s Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot. Having moved to Australia last year, he was also a keen footballer and “extremely talented and popular” member of the Rockdale Ilinden Football Club.
Alexander Kleytman
Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman, originally from Ukraine, died protecting his wife, Larisa, during the attack. Chabad noted he left behind two children and eleven grandchildren. The couple had shared their wartime experiences with Jewish Care Australia in 2023.
Peter Meagher
Former police officer Peter Meagher was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event. Randwick Rugby Club described him as a “heart and soul” figure who had served nearly four decades in the NSW Police Force.
Reuven Morrison
Reuven Morrison, who migrated from the former Soviet Union in the 1970s, had said Australia was the safest country for Jews. He was a Melbourne‑based businessman who “discovered his Jewish identity in Sydney” and gave generously to charities, especially Chabad of Bondi.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan was confirmed dead by Chabad, described as a “popular coordinator” of its Sydney activities. He also served as secretary of the Sydney Beth Din and worked at the BINA Centre.
Tibor Weitzen
Tibor Weitzen, 78, was killed while shielding a family friend. He was a “beloved” member of the Bondi Chabad Synagogue, having migrated from Israel in 1988.
Marika Pogany
Marika Pogany, 82, was named among the dead by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. She was an avid volunteer, bridge player and member of Sydney’s Harbour View Bridge Club. Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini and former president Zuzana Čaputová also noted her passing.
Boris and Sofia Gurman
The Gurmans, married for 34 years, were identified as victims killed in the early stage of the attack. Dash‑cam footage suggests they tried to disarm an attacker, and local media hailed them as heroes.
Edith Brutman
Edith Brutman, vice‑president of the NSW branch of B’nai B’rith, was remembered as a “gracious woman” with strong opinions on prejudice and discrimination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many deaths have been confirmed?
At least 15 people have been confirmed dead.
Who were some of the identified victims?
Identified victims include a ten‑year‑old girl named Matilda, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman, French national Dan Elkayam, former police officer Peter Meagher, and community figures such as Reuven Morrison, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Tibor Weitzen, Marika Pogany, Boris and Sofia Gurman, and Edith Brutman.
What event were the victims attending?
The gathering was an event marking the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah on Bondi beach.
How might this tragedy shape future community gatherings at Bondi beach?
