At least 15 people have been killed in a tragic shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, during celebrations for the first night of Hanukkah on December 10, 2023. The attack, which police have classified as a terrorist incident, involved two gunmen who opened fire on families gathered to celebrate. Among the victims are a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and a young French national. This incident marks Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years.
Authorities have yet to officially identify all the victims, but tributes are pouring in from family and friends. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns stated that the ages of those killed range from 10 to 87 years old.
Details of the Victims
One of the youngest victims, Matilda, was described as a “very sweet, happy child” by her aunt. Matilda was enjoying the Hanukkah festivities with her family when she was tragically wounded. Despite urgent medical attention, she could not be saved. Her aunt, who asked not to be named, expressed her sorrow, stating, “Kids are supposed to be happy. They should be playing on the beach, not thinking about bullets flying around.” Matilda’s former language teacher, Irina Goodhew, remembered her as a “bright, joyful, and spirited child.”
Another victim, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the organizer of the “Chanukah by the Sea” event. Serving as an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, he was known for his commitment to the Jewish community. The Chabad organization noted that he had spent 18 years serving as a rabbi and chaplain in Bondi. Rabbi Zalman Lewis, Schlanger’s cousin, emphasized his deep impact on the community and mentioned that he leaves behind his wife and young children.
The shooting also claimed the life of Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor originally from Ukraine. Kleytman died while attempting to shield his wife, Larisa, from gunfire. He is survived by his wife, two children, and 11 grandchildren.
French national Dan Elkayam was another victim, according to the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, who confirmed Elkayam was celebrating Hanukkah with the Jewish community at Bondi Beach. Elkayam was known for his passion for football and had recently moved from France to Australia, where he worked for NBC Universal.
Community Impact and Responses
The Jewish community in Sydney is grappling with the aftermath of this shocking event. Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, a key figure in the Sydney Beth Din, was also killed. Reuven Morrison, a businessman and longtime resident of Melbourne, who had rediscovered his Jewish identity in Sydney, was another casualty.
Former New South Wales detective Peter Meagher, known affectionately as “Marzo,” was at the event as a freelance photographer. He had a lengthy career in law enforcement, serving nearly 40 years before retiring as a Detective Sergeant. Randwick DRUFC, the rugby club he was part of, paid tribute to his legacy, highlighting his significant contributions to the community.
As investigations continue, local leaders and authorities are calling for unity and resilience in the face of this heinous act. Premier Minns urged the community to remember the victims and support one another during this difficult time. The nation is mourning, and calls for solidarity against hate and violence are echoing throughout Australia.
