The Bondi Beach mass shooting on 14 December 2025 left Australia and the world reeling as 15 innocent people were killed and dozens more wounded during what was meant to be a joyous Hanukkah celebration at Archer Park, adjacent to Sydney’s iconic beach. Police have described the attack as a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community, and as victims’ names and stories emerge, a grieving nation is learning more about the individuals whose lives were cut short.
A Tragedy That Touched Generations
The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, reflecting the multigenerational nature of the community that gathered to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Their deaths have shaken families, friends, and communities across Australia and internationally, prompting vigils, memorials and widespread mourning.
While official lists continue to be confirmed by authorities, local media and family statements have already identified many of those killed and have begun to share their backgrounds and legacies.
Youngest Victim: A Child Taken Far Too Soon
Among the dead was 10-year-old Matilda Poltavchenko, remembered by those who knew her as a joyful and spirited child whose life was full of promise. Survivors and mourners have described the heartbreak of losing such a young life in an act of senseless violence, and her family’s grief has become one of the most poignant symbols of the tragedy.
Leaders and Community Pillars
The attack claimed the lives of respected figures in Sydney’s Jewish community, including:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a London-born rabbi who served as assistant rabbi at the Chabad of Bondi, known for his warmth and leadership.
- Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, secretary of the Sydney Beth Din and a spiritual leader whose work touched many families.
- Reuven Morrison, a community leader and businessman involved in Chabad activities.
Their contributions went beyond ceremony — they were active in supporting families, guiding faith gatherings, and strengthening community ties.
Holocaust Survivors: History Repeated in Tragedy
Two elderly victims were survivors of the Holocaust, remarkably resilient figures who had rebuilt their lives after one of history’s darkest chapters:
- 87-year-old Alex Kleytman, who died while shielding his wife, Larisa, in the chaos of the shooting. His story resonates deeply as a man who survived past horrors only to die protecting a loved one decades later. People.com
- Marika Pogany, 82, a Slovak-born community volunteer and member of the Jewish diaspora; relatives and community members have paid tribute to her decades of service and kindness.
Volunteers, Mentors, and Everyday Heroes
The victims also included individuals known for their devotion to community and sport:
- Dan Elkayam, a French national and Rockdale Ilinden FC player, whose love of soccer and community made him a cherished figure among fellow footballers.
- Peter Meagher, a retired detective sergeant and photographer, whose life of service extended from law enforcement into creative pursuits and volunteerism.
Courage in the Face of Violence: Boris and Sofia Gurman
Among those killed were Boris (69) and Sofia (61) Gurman, a couple from North Bondi who tried to stop the attack. Dashcam footage captured Boris tackling one of the gunmen in a desperate attempt to disarm him, with Sofia by his side — a moment hailed as an act of extraordinary courage even amid tragedy. Their family described them as people of deep kindness and unwavering care for others.
Communities United in Grief
The losses don’t stop with names and ages. Each victim left behind family, friends, and communities whose lives they enriched. Tributes have poured in from across Sydney and around the world, with vigils, floral memorials and moments of silence marking each life remembered.
In the wake of the attack, memorial services and funerals have provided spaces for collective mourning and for honoring the victims’ legacies, from children’s laughter that will never be heard again to elders who lived long lives of service and compassion.
A Nation Reflects
The human stories behind the Bondi shooting victims — from youthful promise to a lifetime of survival, from community leadership to civilian bravery — underscore the profound loss felt throughout Australia. As investigations and legal proceedings continue, the memories of those killed are shaping national conversations about security, extremism, and the resilience of communities in the face of hate.
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.
