Mourners gathered at Bondi Pavilion on Tuesday to remember the fifteen people who died Sunday night when a gunman opened fire at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, during the first night of Hanukkah.
A Night of Celebration Turned to Tragedy
The shooting occurred as people were celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights. Among those killed was Alex Kleytman, 87, a Holocaust survivor who emigrated to Australia from Ukraine and leaves behind eleven grandchildren. The youngest victim was 10-year-old Matilda, described by her aunt as “like the sun” wherever she went, according to Australia’s 9 News.
The tragedy unfolded as a stark contrast to the holiday’s message of light and resilience. However, even amidst the loss, stories of courage emerged.
Acts of Bravery in the Face of Danger
Several individuals reportedly intervened, attempting to stop the shooter. Reuven Morrison, 62, who fled the Soviet Union as a child to escape antisemitism, reportedly threw bricks at the gunman before he died. Tibor Weitzen, 78, died while attempting to shield a friend from gunfire. Boris and Sofia Gurman, married for nearly 35 years, confronted the shooters, with Boris wrestling a gun from one of them, and both died trying to save others.
Ahmed al-Ahmed, a former policeman who came to Australia from Syria in 2006 and now owns a fruit stand at Bondi Beach, tackled one of the gunmen, disarming him despite sustaining injuries himself.
Rabbi Shoshanah Conover of Chicago’s Temple Sholom noted that these acts of courage echo the spirit of Hanukkah, reminding us to cherish those who bring light into our lives and “inspire us to do more.”
Remembering the Victims
The names of those lost – Alex Kleytman, Matilda, Reuven Morrison, Tibor Weitzen, Boris and Sofia Gurman, and Ahmed al-Ahmed – are now etched in the collective memory of a community grappling with grief. As the English poet Stephen Spender wrote of those who “fought for life,” they “left the vivid air signed with their honour.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Bondi Beach?
A gunman opened fire at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on the first night of Hanukkah, resulting in the deaths of fifteen people.
Who were some of the victims?
The victims included Alex Kleytman, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, and 10-year-old Matilda, who was described as bringing light to those around her.
Were there any acts of heroism during the shooting?
Yes, several individuals, including Reuven Morrison, Tibor Weitzen, Boris and Sofia Gurman, and Ahmed al-Ahmed, reportedly intervened to try and stop the shooter, with some sustaining injuries or losing their lives in the process.
As communities around the world reflect on this tragedy, what role do individual acts of courage play in the face of unimaginable loss?
