A shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 10, 2023, left at least 15 people dead, including a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and a young French national. The attack occurred as families gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, prompting authorities to classify it as a terrorist incident. This marks Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed that the victims’ ages range from 10 to 87 years. Their identities are being released gradually, with families mourning their tragic losses.
Victims Remembered
Matilda, the 10-year-old victim, was described by her aunt as a “very sweet, happy child, with a beautiful smile.” Matilda was enjoying the festivities with her parents, younger sister, and friends when the gunfire erupted. Although she was rushed to the hospital, medical staff were unable to save her. Her aunt expressed heartbreak, stating, “Kids are supposed to be happy. They should be playing on the beach, not thinking about bullets flying around.” Matilda’s language teacher, Irina Goodhew, praised her as a “bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her.” The Harmony Russian School of Sydney, where Matilda was a former student, honored her memory in a heartfelt message on social media.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was another victim. He organized the “Chanukah by the Sea” event at Bondi Beach and served as assistant rabbi at the Chabad of Bondi. The Chabad community described him as a devoted leader who tirelessly supported Jewish life in Bondi for 18 years. Rabbi Zalman Lewis, Schlanger’s cousin, shared that he leaves behind a wife and young children, noting, “He was truly an incredible guy.”
Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor, died while attempting to shield his wife, Larisa, from gunfire. Originally from Ukraine, Kleytman is survived by his wife, two children, and 11 grandchildren. The Chabad organization paid tribute to his bravery during this tragic event.
Also among the deceased is Dan Elkayam, a French national who had gathered with the Jewish community at Bondi Beach to celebrate Hanukkah. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized the commitment to combat antisemitism and terrorism following the attack. Elkayam was known as a talented football player with Rockdale Ilinden FC and had recently moved to Australia for work with NBC Universal.
Community Shock
Other victims included prominent community members such as Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, secretary of the Sydney Beth Din, and Reuven Morrison, a businessman originally from the former Soviet Union. Morrison was remembered for his charitable contributions and efforts to discover his Jewish identity in Sydney. He is survived by a wife and daughter.
The attack also claimed the life of Peter Meagher, a former New South Wales detective and beloved member of the Randwick rugby community. Described as a legend of the club, Meagher was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event when he was killed. The Randwick DRUFC expressed their shock, stating that it was tragic for someone who had served in law enforcement for nearly 40 years to be struck down during a peaceful gathering.
As families and friends honor the memory of those lost, the community grapples with the aftermath of this horrific incident. Vigils and memorials are expected in the coming days, reflecting a collective mourning for lives cut short and a commitment to healing in the wake of violence.
