SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA—The devastating attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening has robbed Australia’s tightly-knit Jewish community of some of its most cherished members, ripping a profound hole through three generations. As authorities continue to investigate the act of “evil antisemitism,” friends and family have begun to identify the victims, painting a heartbreaking portrait of the lives violently extinguished.
The 15 people killed in the mass shooting at Archer Park—an event marking the first day of Hanukkah—included two dedicated community rabbis, a man who survived the Holocaust only to be killed while celebrating his faith’s survival, and a 10-year-old girl described as a “bright, joyful, and spirited child.”
The Pillars of the Community
The deceased include several figures central to the city’s Jewish life, highlighting the deliberate targeting of the community.
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger: The 41-year-old father-of-five was the Assistant Rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and was among the organizers of the Hanukkah event. Originally British-born, he had served the Sydney community for 18 years. Family members confirmed his death, noting he and his wife had welcomed their fifth child just two months ago. A cousin described him as a “joyful Rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light.”
- Rabbi Yaakov Levitan: Another local religious leader, Rabbi Levitan was also mourned as a victim of the attack. Described in a community tribute as a man of “quiet devotion” and a devoted husband and father, he was a cornerstone of the Sydney Jewish community.
- Alexander Kleytman: The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that an Israeli citizen was among the dead. Larisa Kleytman identified her husband, Alexander Kleytman, as a victim. The Ukrainian-born man was a Holocaust survivor who was attending the annual event with his wife. He was reportedly killed while attempting to shield his wife during the barrage of gunfire.
- Matilda: Tragically, the dead included a primary school student, 10-year-old Matilda, who died on Sunday night from her injuries. Her language teacher described her as “a bright and loving soul.”
International Grief and a Freelance Photographer
The violence also claimed the lives of international visitors and community volunteers, broadening the scope of the tragedy:
- Dan Elkayam: French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death of French national Dan Elkayam, a man in his late 20s who was living in Australia and was reportedly celebrating at the festival.
- Peter Meagher: A long-time rugby volunteer and retired policeman, Meagher was fatally wounded while working at the event as a freelance photographer. His former club lamented the “tragic irony” that he survived a dangerous career on the police front lines only to be killed while documenting his passion in retirement.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, stating, “As Prime Minister, I say on behalf of all Australians to the Jewish community: We stand with you.”
As the identities of the victims continue to be formally released by authorities, the focus turns to the 12 injured, who remain hospitalized, and the investigation into the two gunmen, one of whom was killed at the scene and the other critically injured and arrested.