Sydney’s Bondi Beach Tragedy: 15 Killed in Terrorist Attack During Hanukkah Celebration

Sydney’s Bondi Beach was the scene of a brutal terrorist attack on Sunday evening that left 15 people dead, including a 10‑year‑old girl and several community leaders.

The Tragic Night at Bondi Beach

The attack unfolded during a Hanukkah celebration called “Chanukah by the Sea,” a popular event that draws thousands of families to the shoreline.

Two gunmen opened fire on the crowd, killing 15 and wounding several others before police apprehended them.

The federal police commissioner later described the incident as a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State group.

Victims Remembered

Matilda

Matilda, a 10‑year‑old whose last name was withheld at her family’s request, was the youngest victim.

Her language teacher, Irina Goodhew, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the grieving family.

Goodhew wrote on Facebook, “Matilda was a bright and loving soul who taught us that true goodness is found in the love and compassion we share.”

She added, “Her memory reminds us to carry kindness in our hearts and spread it to the world. May the light of her eyes live on through us — in our actions, our words, and our love for one another.”

Eli Schlanger

Eli Schlanger, the 41‑year‑old assistant rabbi of Chabad‑Lubavitch of Bondi, organized the event.

Born in London, he was a father of five, with his youngest child born just two months before the attack.

Schlanger also served as a chaplain for the state’s corrective services and at a Sydney hospital, ministering to patients and families.

His friend Ben Wright told The Associated Press, “Eli was a very special person.”

Wright added, “He spent a lot of his time trying to get Jews to do one good deed.”

Yaakov Levitan

Yaakov Levitan, a 39‑year‑old rabbi and father of four, was known for his kindness and dedication to helping others.

He was the general manager of Chabad of Bondi and worked with the Sydney Beth Din, the religious court.

The Chabad movement described him as a “vital, behind‑the‑scenes pillar” of Sydney’s Jewish community.

Marika Pogany

Marika Pogany, an 82‑year‑old grandmother and volunteer, delivered thousands of kosher meals to those in need.

The Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary noted her contribution in a statement.

COA, a Sydney volunteer service for Jewish seniors, said in an Instagram post that Pogany was part of the “beating heart of COA and a source of warmth for thousands of people.”

She had been with COA for 29 years, arriving with a quiet smile and steady kindness.

Dan Elkayam

Dan Elkayam, a 27‑year‑old French national, was described by his brother as a “golden person.”

He was a talented soccer player who lived with his girlfriend in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Jérémie Elkayam told France Info that his brother was “someone extraordinary … who profited from life, wasn’t at all materialistic, who understood the value of things and who loved to travel.”

Rockdale Ilinden FC said Elkayam was an extremely talented and popular player with the club’s Premier League team.

Club President Dennis Loether added that Elkayam was a down‑to‑earth, happy‑go‑lucky individual warmly embraced by those he met.

French Foreign Minister

Jean‑Noël Barrot wrote on X that Elkayam’s death was “yet another tragic manifestation of a revolting surge in antisemitic hatred that we must defeat.”

Peter Meagher

Peter Meagher, known to friends as “Marzo,” was a retired police officer and a beloved volunteer at Randwick rugby club.

The club condemned the “abhorrent targeted attack on our Jewish community” and called Meagher an “absolute legend in our club.”

Meagher was working as a freelance photographer at the Bondi Hanukkah event when the attack occurred.

A photograph showed “Marzo” written in chalk on a rugby field, along with a team jersey.

Reuven Morrison

Reuven Morrison, 62, was killed while attempting to stop one of the shooters.

His daughter, Sheina Gutnick, told CBS News that her father is the person seen in video footage throwing bricks at the gunman.

She explained that after Ahmed al Ahmed wrestled the gun away, Morrison tried to unjam the gun and shouted at the terrorist.

Morrison had migrated from the Soviet Union five decades earlier to escape antisemitic persecution.

Alex Kleytman

Alex Kleytman was an 87‑year‑old Holocaust survivor who had moved to Australia from Ukraine.

His wife, Larisa Kleytman, told reporters outside a Sydney hospital that she had no idea where his body was.

She said, “I have no husband. I don’t know where is his body,” and that “Nobody can give me any answer.”

Larisa recalled the moment of the attack, “We were standing and suddenly came the ‘boom boom’, and everybody fell down.”

She added, “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.”

Tibor Weitzen

Tibor Weitzen, a 78‑year‑old grandfather, migrated to Australia from Israel in 1988.

His granddaughter, Leor Amzalak, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that he was “the best you could ask for.”

She said, “He was so proud of us … and loved us more than life itself.”

Key Takeaways

• 15 people were killed in a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration.
• The attack was described by federal police as inspired by the Islamic State group.
• Victims included a 10‑year‑old girl, community leaders, a Holocaust survivor, and a retired police officer.

The tragedy at Bondi Beach has left the Sydney community in shock, mourning the loss of a diverse group of individuals who were pillars of their families and communities. The attack underscores the ongoing threat of antisemitic terrorism and the need for vigilance and solidarity among all citizens.