Remembering the Victims of the Bondi Beach Hanukkah Shooting

The deadly attack at Bondi Beach on the first night of Hanukkah, December 2025, stands as one of Australia's worst mass shootings in decades. The event, intended as a joyful community gathering for the Jewish festival of lights, was shattered by violence, leaving at least 15 people dead and a nation grappling with shock and grief. Authorities have confirmed that the victims included spiritual leaders, children, immigrants who sought safety in Australia, and individuals who demonstrated extraordinary bravery in the attack's chaotic moments. This article honors those who were lost, piecing together their stories from family tributes and community statements to understand the profound human toll of this tragedy.

The Youngest Victim: Matilda, 10

Ten-year-old Matilda represented the most heartbreaking loss of innocence. Her family, who had moved to Australia from Ukraine, described her as their first child born in their new country. Her former teacher, Irina Goodhew, who organized a fundraiser for the family, remembered Matilda as "a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her." The Harmony Russian School of Sydney confirmed she was a former student, expressing deep sadness and honoring her memory. At her funeral, her aunt Lina Chernykh shared with the BBC a poignant hope: "I hope maybe she's an angel now. Maybe she [will] send some good vibes to the world." Her mother recounted the horror, stating the gunman "just pulled his trigger on her... it wasn't just a bullet from a stray - it wasn't an accident."

Spiritual Leaders and Community Pillars

The attack claimed the lives of key figures within Sydney's Jewish community, whose roles extended far beyond religious guidance.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41

Known as the "Bondi Rabbi," Eli Schlanger was a British-born father of five and the head of the local Chabad mission. He was a primary organizer of the Hanukkah event. His cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, confirmed his death on Instagram, calling him "truly an incredible guy." The Chabad organization noted his youngest child was just two months old. Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry told reporters Rabbi Schlanger was "the most godly, humane, kind, gracious human being I think I've ever met." His father-in-law's eulogy expressed a profound regret: not telling Eli more often how much he was loved and appreciated.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan served as the secretary of the Sydney Beth Din (a rabbinical court) and was a popular coordinator of Chabad activities in Sydney. He also worked at the BINA Center for Jewish learning. Chabad described him as a dedicated community figure whose loss was deeply felt.

Acts of Courage and Selflessness

Several victims were identified for their heroic actions during the attack, attempting to protect others at the cost of their own lives.

Boris and Sofia Gurman

Married for 34 years, Boris, 69, and Sofia Gurman were killed together. Widely-circulated dashcam footage showed Boris wrestling with one of the alleged gunmen and disarming him in an effort to protect others, with Sofia by his side. In a statement, their family said, "This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were - people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others." They had been looking forward to celebrating Sofia's 62nd birthday and their 35th wedding anniversary.

Alexander Kleytman, Holocaust Survivor

Alexander Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to Australia from Ukraine, died shielding his wife, Larisa, from the gunman's bullets. Chabad wrote on X that he "died shielding her from the gunman's bullets." In a 2023 profile with Jewish Care Australia, it was noted he survived the horrors of WWII in Siberia. His family remembered him as a fascinating chess player with "an unwavering spirit" who loved his wife with "unparalleled passion."

Tibor Weitzen, 78

Tibor Weitzen, a beloved member of the Bondi Chabad Synagogue, was killed while trying to shield a family friend. His granddaughter told the ABC he was "the best you could ask for" and that he "only saw the best in people." He had migrated to Australia from Israel in 1988.

Other Lives Lost

The victims came from diverse backgrounds, each with unique stories.

• Dan Elkayam: A French national and IT analyst for NBCUniversal, described by his football club, Rockdale Ilinden FC, as an "extremely talented and popular figure." France's Foreign Minister expressed "immense sadness" at his death.
• Peter Meagher: A former NSW police officer working as a freelance photographer at the event. His rugby club, Randwick Rugby, called him a "legend" and "heart and soul" figure, noting the tragic irony of his surviving a police career only to be killed in retirement.
• Reuven Morrison: A businessman and philanthropist who migrated from the Soviet Union as a teenager. He told the ABC a year before his death that he came to Australia believing it was "the safest country in the world" for Jews.
• Marika Pogany, 82: An avid volunteer and bridge club member described by her family as "vibrant and full of life." Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini and former leader Zuzana Čaputová confirmed her death, with Čaputová calling her an exceptional friend.
• Edith Brutman: Vice-president of B'nai B'rith in NSW, remembered by her family as "a woman of integrity who chose humanity, every day." A colleague said she was "very passionate about dealing with prejudice and discrimination."
• Boris Tetleroyd: A "gentle man" and gifted musician killed while attending with his son, who was seriously injured. His family said he was "profoundly loved."
• Adam Smyth, 50: A father of four walking on the beach with his wife. His family said they were "living their best lives together" and noted his passion for sports, ending their statement with Liverpool FC's anthem, "You'll never walk alone."

Community and National Aftermath

The attack has sent shockwaves through Australia's Jewish community and the nation. Vigils have been held, and the BBC reported that the Australian parliament has passed gun reform and anti-hate bills in direct response to the shooting. The stories of the victims—a mix of immigrants, survivors, community leaders, and families—highlight the diverse tapestry of Australian society and the devastating impact when hatred intrudes upon a celebration of light and community. Their memories underscore a collective call for resilience, unity, and a steadfast commitment to rejecting violence and prejudice.