At least 15 people were killed in a shooting at Bondi Beach, Australia, on December 10, 2023. The attack occurred during a celebration marking the first night of Hanukkah, with two gunmen opening fire on families gathered for the event. Authorities have classified the incident as a terrorist act, marking it as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed that the victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old. Families and friends of the deceased are now mourning their loved ones, sharing tributes and memories of those lost in this tragic event.
Victims Remembered
Among the victims was Matilda, a 10-year-old girl described by her aunt as a “very sweet, happy child, with a beautiful smile.” Matilda was attending the festivities with her parents and younger sister when the shooting began. Tragically, she sustained injuries and later died in hospital despite the efforts of medical staff. Her aunt, Lina, expressed heartbreak over the incident, 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, launched a GoFundMe page to support the family. The family emigrated from Ukraine to Australia in the 1990s, enjoying simple pleasures such as beach walks and picnics. The Harmony Russian School of Sydney also honored Matilda, acknowledging her time as a student.
Another victim, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, aged 41, was instrumental in organizing the “Chanukah by the Sea” event. Serving as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, he was known for his dedication to the Jewish community. Rabbi Zalman Lewis, Schlanger’s cousin, described him as “truly an incredible guy” and noted that he leaves behind a wife and young children.
Survivors and Community Impact
Among the deceased was Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor who died while attempting to shield his wife, Larisa, from gunfire. Originally from Ukraine, Kleytman is survived by his wife, two children, and 11 grandchildren. His dedication to family and community has been remembered by the Jewish organization Chabad, which highlighted his bravery during the attack.
Also killed was Dan Elkayam, a French national who had gathered with members of the Jewish community to celebrate Hanukkah. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the violence, stating that France would work to combat antisemitism and terrorism. Elkayam, a talented football player with Rockdale Ilinden FC, had moved to Australia to provide technical support for NBC Universal.
Other victims included Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, secretary of the Sydney Beth Din, and Reuven Morrison, a businessman and philanthropist originally from the former Soviet Union. The latter was known for his charitable contributions and strong ties to the Jewish community.
Former New South Wales detective Peter Meagher, a beloved member of the Randwick Rugby Club, was also killed. Known affectionately as “Marzo,” he had dedicated decades to the club and was working as a freelance photographer at the event when the attack occurred. The club expressed their shock and sorrow at the loss of a man who had served the community both as a police officer and a volunteer.
This incident has sent shockwaves through not only the local community in Bondi but also across Australia and beyond. As families grieve, the focus now shifts to understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and ensuring the safety of communities during celebrations and gatherings.
