At least 15 people have been confirmed dead in Sunday's shooting attack at Bondi beach, where many gathered to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah. Authorities have confirmed that two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl were amongst those killed.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the community. Victims included Matilda, a bright and joyful 10-year-old who had attended the Harmony Russian School of Sydney. Her former teacher shared that she brought light to everyone around her.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, known as the Bondi Rabbi, was a key organizer of the event and a beloved figure in the community. His tragic loss, alongside that of his cousin's, has deeply saddened the local Jewish population.
Further fatalities included Dan Elkayam, an IT analyst and football player who had only moved to Australia last year, and Alexander Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor who perished while trying to shield his wife from bullets.
The Gurman couple, Boris and Sofia, who had been married for 34 years, were also lost in the attack. Family statements expressing pride in their bravery during the incident encapsulate their selfless nature.
Other victims included Peter Meagher, a former police officer known for his dedication to the Randwick Rugby Club, and the elderly Marika Pogany and Edith Brutman, both respected members of the Jewish community.
This shooter’s attack not only brings sorrow but sparks discussions around safety and community resilience in the face of such heart-wrenching violence. As tributes pour in, the memory of those lost in this senseless tragedy continues to live on.
