Rabbi who led Mumbai attack memorial among 16 killed in Bondi Beach shooting

Holocaust survivor, senior rabbis and child among 16 killed in Bondi Beach terror attack

Sixteen people, including a child, senior rabbis, a Holocaust survivor and recent immigrants, were killed when two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday evening. Australian authorities declared the incident a terrorist attack aimed at the Jewish community on the first day of the festival.

Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, New South Wales Police confirmed. The attack, described as one of the deadliest antisemitic terror assaults outside Israel in decades, has shocked Australia and Jewish communities worldwide.

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Matilda, 10: Youngest victim

The youngest victim was 10-year-old Matilda, who had gone to Bondi Beach with her family to celebrate Hanukkah. A GoFundMe page set up by her teacher described her as “a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her.”

Her school said, “Her memory will remain in our hearts, and we honor her life and the time she spent as part of our school family.”

Rabbi Eli Schlanger: London-born Chabad leader

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, was among those killed. A father of five, he was born in London and came from a long line of Jewish religious leaders.

He had recently helped organise a November memorial commemorating Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, who were murdered in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

His cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, said, “How can a joyful Rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?”

Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitan: Respected Sydney religious figure

Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitan, a Chabad emissary and secretary of the Sydney Beth Din, also lost his life in the attack. He worked with several Jewish institutions and was known for his dedication to community education and service.

Alex Kleytman: Holocaust survivor 

Alex Kleytman, a Ukrainian-born Holocaust survivor, was killed while protecting his wife during the shooting. His wife, Larisa, said he pushed himself over her as gunfire erupted.

“I think he was shot because he raised himself up to protect me,” she said. “I have no husband.” Kleytman had survived extreme hardship in Siberia during World War II before immigrating to Australia in search of safety.

Dan Elkayam: French national killed

Dan Elkayam, a French citizen who moved to Sydney last year for work, was also among the victims. France’s foreign minister confirmed his death, calling the shooting a “despicable act” of antisemitic violence.

Elkayam had been working as an IT analyst and was celebrating Hanukkah with fellow members of the Jewish community at the time of the attack.

Reuven Morrison: immigrant and community supporter

Reuven Morrison, originally from the former Soviet Union, was killed in the shooting. He had become an active member of Jewish communities in Sydney and Melbourne and was known for supporting charitable causes, including Chabad of Bondi.

Who are the attackers? 

Authorities said the attack was carried out by a father and son, Naveed Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son, who arrived at the crowded beach armed with firearms and explosives. One attacker was killed at the scene during the police response, while the second remains hospitalised under guard.

Must read: Who are Naveed and Sajid Akram: Pakistani father and son responsible for Bondi Beach shooting that killed 16

Police recovered a suspected improvised explosive device from one of the attackers’ vehicles. The shooting lasted several minutes and injured dozens, including two police officers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was an assault on Australia’s values, stating, “As Prime Minister, I say on behalf of all Australians to the Jewish community: We stand with you.”

Investigations are ongoing as families mourn the victims and authorities step up security around Jewish institutions nationwide.