A British-born rabbi and a ten-year-old girl were among 15 people who died after a mass shooting during a Jewish holiday celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday.
The violence erupted at the end of a summer day when thousands had flocked to Bondi Beach, an icon of Australia’s cultural life.
Among them were hundreds gathered for Hanukkah by the Sea, an event celebrating the start of the eight-day Jewish festival, with food, face painting, and a petting zoo.
Two men opened fire on the crowds, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more.
The victims’ ages range from ten to 87, according to officials.
Matilda
The youngest victim of the shooting was named by ITV News’ Australian partner, Channel 7 News, as Matilda – a former student of the Harmony Russian School at Bellevue Hill, Sydney.
Police confirmed a 10-year-old girl was among those who had been taken to the hospital, where she later died.
Her former language teacher described her as a “bright, joyful, and spirited child”.
“Yesterday, while celebrating Hanukkah, her young life was tragically taken. Her memory will live on in our hearts,” Irina Goodhew said in a fundraiser she set up for Matilda’s mother.
Matilda’s aunt wrote on social media: “A great tragedy has happened to my family. Yesterday, my beloved niece Matilda was killed during a terrorist attack in Bondi Beach.
“I don’t know how we survive such grief.”
Matilda’s former school said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of her passing.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and everyone affected by this tragic event,” it said.
“During this difficult time, our school community stands together in mourning and remembrance.
“Her memory will remain in our hearts, and we honour her life and the time she spent as part of our school family.”
Rabbi Eli Schlanger
Eli was a 41-year-old Assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and an organiser of the family Hanukkah event that was targeted, according to Chabad, an Orthodox Jewish movement that runs outreach worldwide and sponsors events during major Jewish holidays.
Eli Schlanger was a father-of-five and grew up in Temple Fortune, north London. He had family members at Kinloss synagogue in Finchley.
His fifth child, a boy, was born in October.
Schlanger was known online as the Bondi Rabbi, and posted regularly about news and upcoming events in the Jewish community.
Just three weeks ago, he had posted about the Hannukah By The Sea event at Bondi Beach.
Jewish leader Alex Ryvchin described Schlanger as “one of the jewels of our community” who would have been needed now more than ever.
“He’s the most positive, uplifting, hopeful, truly hopeful human beings I have ever met in my life,” he said.
“It’s difficult to contemplate how we will go on as a community with such loss.”
Tibor Weitzen
ITV News’ Australian partner, Channel 7 News, reported Tibor Weitzen, 78, was a member of Bondi’s Chabad Synagogue.
He had been attending the event with his wife and grandchildren and reportedly died after shielding his wife from gunfire.
Peter Meagher
Peter was a retired NSW Police officer and a member of the Randwick Rugby club.
His family said it was ironic that the former detective sergeant spent decades on the frontline, only to be struck down after retiring.
“Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter,” they said in a statement.
“He was a cherished brother, husband and uncle whose kindness, generosity and love touched everyone who knew him. Our lives have been changed forever.
“The tragic irony that Peter spent so long in the dangerous frontline as a police officer and was struck down in retirement while pursuing his passion for taking photos is hard to comprehend.”
Following his retirement from the force after 34 years, he had made a career out of photography.
He was on assignment in Bondi on Sunday, photographing the Hannukah by the Sea festival, when the terror attack occurred.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and the community,” the statement continues.
“As we begin to come to terms with what has happened, we ask for privacy and the space to mourn together as a family.
“Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.”
Meagher served as Randwick’s first grade team manager and was named WT (Bill) Outterside Club Volunteer of the Year in 2020.
Coming from a rugby family, his grandfather was a Wallabies Hall of Famer, Francis Wallace “Wally” Meagher.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Peter’s family, friends and clubmates as well as all the victims of Sunday’s tragedy,” Rugby NSW said.
“Rest In Peace, Marzo.”
One friend said Meagher “actively gave back to society through his love of our sport, giving tirelessly”.
“This tragedy wasn’t just an attack on the Jewish community, it was an attack on our nation and way of life,” they said.
Dan Elkayam
French President Emmanuel Macron said a French citizen, identified as Dan Elkayam, was among those killed.
Writing on X, Macron said: “I learn with deep sadness of the death of our compatriot Dan Elkayam during the antisemitic terrorist attack in Sydney.
“I think of his family and loved ones and express to them the full solidarity of the nation.”
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot said: “We mourn with his family and loved ones, with the Jewish community and the bereaved Australian people.”
According to French news outlet Le Parisien, Elkayam was a 27-year-old engineer who had arrived in Australia two years ago.
A friend told the publication Elkayam was a “true light” who was “always smiling”.
“He grew up in a housing project in Le Bourget, so you could say he truly represented suburban Jews. He really embodied diversity; he didn’t discriminate based on religion. He was a light for everyone.”
Elkayam was a Premier League 1 player for Rockdale Ilinden FC who on Monday described him as “an extremely talented and popular figure amongst teammates”.
“Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Dan’s family, friends and all that knew him,” the club said.
“He will be missed.”
Alexander Kleytman
Larisa Kleytman told reporters outside St Vincent’s Hospital that her husband, Alexander, was among the dead. The couple were both Holocaust survivors, according to the newspaper The Australian.
“I think it was (the wound) on the back. Blood (came) from his back,” Larisa Kleytman told The Australian.
“[On Sunday] in the middle of the celebrations [there were] shots and unfortunately my husband was killed.
“We were standing and suddenly came the ‘boom boom’ and everybody fell down.
“At this moment he was behind me and at one moment he decided to go close to me. He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me.”
Reuven Morrison
Jewish News publication Chabad.org reported that Reuven Morrison was among those killed on Sunday.
He was reportedly a member of the Chabad community and split his time between Melbourne and Sydney.
He was originally from the USSR and had a wife and daughter.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan was among those reported killed on Sunday.
He served as the secretary at the Sydney Beth Din, according to Jewish publication Chabad.org.
Marika Pogany
The oldest victim of the attack was 82-year-old Marika Pogany, according to 9News.
Pogany was a dedicated volunteer and won several awards for her years of service in the Jewish community.
In 2022, she received an award for delivering 12,000 kosher Meals on Wheels over the course of more than two decades.
Her friends described Pogany as an “amazing person,” according to 9News.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has also confirmed the death of an Israeli citizen, but gave no further details.
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