At least 15 people were killed in a shooting attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday during an event marking the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Authorities have confirmed that the victims included two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, a 10-year-old child and several well-known members of Australia’s Jewish community.
Police say the attack unfolded rapidly, leaving families, organisers and bystanders caught in the violence. Investigations into the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting are ongoing.
Matilda, 10
Authorities confirmed that a 10-year-old girl named Matilda was among those killed. Her family had moved to Australia from Ukraine, and she was their first child born in the country.
Her parents attended a vigil earlier this week, where her mother said the shooting was deliberate and not accidental. A former teacher described Matilda as a bright and joyful child who brought energy to those around her. Her school also confirmed she had been a student there. Family members said her sister, who was with her at the time, is struggling to process the loss.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, known widely as the “Bondi Rabbi,” was one of the key organisers of the Hanukkah gathering. He headed the local Chabad mission in Bondi and was a prominent figure in Sydney’s Jewish community.
His death was confirmed by family members and Jewish organisations. British-born and a father of five, his youngest child was just two months old. Community leaders described him as compassionate, devoted and deeply respected. His funeral is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.
Dan Elkayam
French national Dan Elkayam was also killed in the attack, according to France’s foreign minister. Elkayam had moved to Australia last year and worked as an IT analyst for NBCUniversal.
He was an active footballer and a member of Rockdale Ilinden Football Club, which described him as a popular and talented teammate. The club and international officials have expressed condolences to his family.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor originally from Ukraine, was killed while attending the event with his wife, Larisa. She told reporters that her husband attempted to shield her when gunfire erupted.
Jewish organisations said Kleytman died protecting his wife. He is survived by two children and 11 grandchildren. The couple had previously shared their experiences of surviving the Holocaust and rebuilding their lives in Australia.
Boris and Sofia Gurman
Boris and Sofia Gurman, who had been married for 34 years, were also among the victims. Footage circulating online appears to show Boris attempting to disarm one of the attackers during the early moments of the shooting.
Their family later confirmed that the couple acted courageously in an effort to protect others. They were approaching their wedding anniversary, and Sofia was due to celebrate her birthday later this week.
Peter Meagher
Peter Meagher, a former police officer, was working as a freelance photographer at the event when he was killed. His rugby club said he had served nearly four decades with the New South Wales Police Force before retiring.
Club officials described him as a respected figure who had devoted much of his life to public service. They said it was deeply tragic that he was killed while pursuing photography after retirement.
Reuven Morrison
Reuven Morrison, who migrated to Australia from the Soviet Union in the 1970s, was confirmed dead by Chabad. He was described as a successful businessman who devoted much of his time and resources to charitable causes.
In an interview last year, Morrison spoke about moving to Australia in search of safety and a future free from antisemitism.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan’s death was also confirmed by Jewish organisations. He served as a coordinator of Chabad activities in Sydney and worked with the Sydney Beth Din, a rabbinical court.
He was known as a key figure in Jewish education and community engagement.
Tibor Weitzen
Tibor Weitzen, 78, was killed while attempting to shield a family friend during the attack, according to Chabad. Originally from Israel, he migrated to Australia in 1988.
Family members described him as deeply kind and devoted to his family and community.
Marika Pogany
Marika Pogany, 82, was named as one of the victims by Jewish community leaders and local media. She was a long-time volunteer and a member of Sydney’s Harbour View Bridge Club.
Slovakian leaders also confirmed that a Slovak national named Marika was among those killed, describing her as a close friend and an exceptional individual.
Edith Brutman
Edith Brutman was named during a memorial service at Bondi Pavilion. She was vice-president of the New South Wales branch of B’nai B’rith and was known for her work against discrimination and prejudice.
Her family described her as principled and deeply committed to humanity and service.
