The Bondi Beach Terror Attack: Remembering the Victims and Heroes

The Bondi Beach terror attack on Sunday, December 15, 2025, represents a profound tragedy for Sydney, Australia, and the global community. Occurring during a Hanukkah celebration, the alleged antisemitic shooting claimed at least 16 lives, including one of the alleged perpetrators, and left dozens wounded. This event marks Australia's deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, shaking the nation's sense of security and sparking immediate calls for action from political leaders. This article provides a detailed account of the victims, the heroes who intervened, and the broader implications of this devastating attack.

The Victims: A Community in Mourning

The victims of the Bondi attack ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old, representing a cross-section of the community bound by faith and celebration. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed the age range, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. Most were attending the 'Chanukah By the Sea' event when the shooting began.

Remembering Those Lost

Among the 15 victims were individuals whose lives were defined by resilience, service, and faith. Matilda, a 10-year-old girl, was the youngest victim. Described by her language teacher as a "bright, joyful and spirited child," her death has left her family and school community devastated. She was a former student of the Harmony Russian school of Sydney.

Alexander Kleytman, 87, and his wife Larisa were both Holocaust survivors who had immigrated to Australia from Ukraine. In a tragic echo of history, Kleytman was killed while trying to protect his wife. JewishCare's annual report had previously documented their harrowing childhood survival in Siberia during the Holocaust and their search for a brighter future in Australia.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was a London-born father of five and assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Described by his cousin as "vivacious, energetic, full of life," he was dedicated to spreading joy and performing good deeds. He and his wife had celebrated the birth of their youngest child just two months prior to the attack.

Other victims included Peter Meagher, a retired NSW Police detective sergeant and beloved volunteer at Randwick Rugby Club who was working as a freelance photographer at the event; Dan Elkayam, a French citizen and talented soccer player; Reuven Morrison, a businessman and philanthropist; Yaakov Levitan, secretary of the Sydney Beth Din; and Marika Pogany, an 82-year-old Hungarian-born volunteer who had delivered over 15,000 kosher meals in her 29 years of service.

Heroes and the Response

Amid the horror, acts of extraordinary bravery emerged. Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old Syrian-born Australian citizen and father of two, tackled one of the alleged gunmen and wrestled a weapon from him. Shot multiple times in the arm, he underwent surgery and remained in critical but stable condition. He has been visited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns, and hailed as a hero internationally.

Reuven Morrison was identified as the person seen in video footage throwing bricks at a disarmed gunman. His daughter, Sheina Gutnick, confirmed his heroic actions. In a 2024 interview with the ABC, Morrison had expressed shock that antisemitism could manifest so violently in Australia, a country he believed was a safe haven after experiencing persecution in the Soviet Union.

The emergency response was swift. Forty-two people were transported to hospitals, with 24 remaining hospitalized days after the attack. Among them were two police officers. Constable Scott Dyson, attached to the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, was shot and remained in serious but stable condition. The other injured officer had not been publicly named. Their families released a statement expressing gratitude to first responders and requesting privacy.

Community Impact and Political Response

The attack has deeply traumatized the Australian Jewish community. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, described the loss of Rabbi Schlanger as devastating for a community reeling from the violence. The event occurred on the first night of Hanukkah, a festival of lights, turning a celebration into a massacre.

Political leaders vowed immediate action. Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Minns pledged to change gun laws following the "horrifying" weapons used in the attack. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the nation and the family of Dan Elkayam, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the "revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred."

The attack has ignited a national conversation about community safety, gun control, and the rise of antisemitism. As the community grieves, the focus turns to supporting the injured, honoring the victims, and ensuring such a tragedy never occurs again.