SYDNEY — The terror attack that unfolded at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening during a Hanukkah celebration has left 15 innocent people dead and dozens more injured, shocking Australia and the world. Among those killed were people whose lives embodied resilience, service and hope — including a Holocaust survivor, a London-born rabbi devoted to community, and a bright 10-year-old girl whose life was just beginning. Authorities have labelled the horror an antisemitic terrorist attack that struck at the heart of Sydney’s Jewish community.
A festival of light turned to darkness
On 14 December 2025, as thousands gathered at Archer Park adjacent to Bondi Beach for Chanukah by the Sea, gunmen opened fire during the joyous Hanukkah festival organised by the Chabad of Bondi. The attackers — later identified as a father and son duo — fired repeatedly into the crowd, turning laughter and light into panic and grief.
The death toll encompasses a wide age range — from 10-year-old Matilda to elderly survivors of unspeakable historical trauma — underscoring the indiscriminate cruelty of the violence.
Matilda: a young life cut tragically short
One of the youngest victims, 10-year-old Matilda, was confirmed dead after being rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital. Her aunt announced her passing on social media, describing the family’s profound loss and shock.
Matilda had been a student at the Harmony Russian School of Sydney, where staff remembered her as “bright, joyful and spirited” — a child who “brought light to those around her”. A GoFundMe campaign set up by her language teacher to support her family described her infectious energy and the deep grief felt by her community.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger: London-born spiritual leader
Among the first victims publicly named was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a 41-year-old London-born father of five who served as an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi — the very organisation hosting the festival. Sky News
Rabbi Schlanger had lived in Sydney for nearly two decades, dedicating his life to fostering Jewish identity, community outreach and spiritual support. Colleagues and loved ones described him as a man of deep compassion and unwavering commitment to his congregation. His family — including a newborn child born just months ago — mourns his loss, with friends emphasising the vibrant life he brought to both his family and community.
Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman and others who perished
Another victim whose story resonated deeply was 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alexander (Alex) Kleytman. He had survived the genocide with his family in Siberia before building a life in Australia. His wife, Larisa, confirmed his death, describing them as longtime attendees of the Bondi Hanukkah celebration.
Kleytman’s death, like those of many others killed, reflects profound intergenerational loss — a survivor of one historical horror taken in a new kind of terror.
Also among the victims were:
- Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, a respected religious leader and secretary of the Sydney Beth Din.
- Tibor Weitzen, a beloved great-grandfather who died shielding a friend, remembered by family as kind and devoted.
- Reuven Morrison, a community philanthropist deeply connected to Jewish life in Sydney and Melbourne.
- Peter Meagher, a longtime NSW Police detective and cherished volunteer with Randwick Rugby, whose love of community service spanned decades.
- Marika Pogany, an 82-year-old Meals on Wheels volunteer known for decades of service.
The victims ranged in age from children to octogenarians, a sobering reminder of how broadly the tragedy touched families, friends and community institutions.
National and global grief
The attack has been widely condemned by Australian leaders and international figures. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the violence an “act of evil antisemitism” and pledged unity against hate, while flags across the nation flew at half-mast in mourning.
International leaders also expressed solidarity. Amid tributes to the victims, global Jewish organisations and governments reiterated support for Australia’s Jewish community and condemned all forms of targeted violence.
Aftermath: solidarity and calls for change
In the wake of the attack, vigils and memorials sprang up at Bondi Beach and around Sydney, with thousands gathering to honour the dead and support survivors. Donations to victims’ families and community initiatives poured in, alongside calls for tougher measures to counter antisemitism and hate-motivated violence.
Officials continue to investigate the attack’s motives and connections, as police and intelligence agencies work to prevent further threats while communities grapple with grief and recovery. The stories of those killed — from Matilda’s bright promise to the lifelong service of Rabbi Schlanger and the survival legacy of Alex Kleytman — have become focal points for national reflection on resilience, remembrance and the danger of hatred.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
