SYDNEY — The community of Sydney is mourning 15 individuals who were tragically killed in a terrorist shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack authorities have linked to the Islamic State group. This devastating incident occurred on Sunday evening and has left a city in sorrow.
Among the victims was Matilda, a gentle 10-year-old girl described as seeing beauty in everyone. Matilda’s teacher portrayed her as a shining example of kindness and compassion, whose memory inspires others to carry love and goodness forward.
Eli Schlanger, a 41-year-old assistant rabbi from the Chabad-Lubavitch community of Bondi, who had organized the Hanukkah event, was also slain. A father of five and a devoted chaplain to correctional services and hospital patients, Schlanger was remembered as a beacon of goodness who encouraged acts of kindness among his community.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, a respected leader and father of four originally from Johannesburg, was recognized for his quiet yet vital contributions to Sydney’s Jewish community.
Marika Pogany, an 82-year-old devoted grandmother and volunteer, was known for her unwavering commitment to delivering thousands of kosher meals to those in need, earning warmth and respect from many.
Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national and gifted soccer player, was remembered as a kind-hearted and joyful individual, beloved by his teammates and community.
Peter Meagher, a retired police officer beloved for his dedication to the Randwick rugby club, was killed while attending the event as a freelance photographer, caught tragically in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Reuven Morrison, aged 62, showed remarkable courage attempting to stop one of the attackers, an act seen in widely disseminated video footage. A survivor of antisemitism himself, Morrison had sought safety and peace in Australia.
Alex Kleytman, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor from Ukraine, died protecting his wife, embodying lifelong resilience and love in the face of unimaginable suffering.
Tibor Weitzen, aged 78, a grandfather who emigrated from Israel, was celebrated for his deep family pride and loving spirit.
As Sydney comes together in grief, these stories remind us of the rich lives behind the headlines — individuals marked by kindness, bravery, and devotion to their communities. Memorials have been established at Bondi Beach as loved ones pay tribute with flowers and tears, standing united against hatred and violence.
