Tragic Bondi Beach Shooting Claims Lives of Innocent Victims

Mon Dec 15 2025 13:20:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A horrific shooting at Bondi Beach on the first day of Hanukkah results in at least 15 fatalities, including a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor, mourning rippling through the Jewish community and beyond.

The Bondi Beach shooting attack on Sunday has resulted in the tragic loss of 15 lives, including a 10-year-old girl, Matilda, a Holocaust survivor, Alexander Kleytman, and two rabbis. The event marked the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, turning what was meant to be a celebration into a scene of profound grief. The victims, whose lives touched many, are being remembered for their impact on their communities, prompting calls for unity and action against violence.

At least 15 civilians have been confirmed dead in Sunday's shooting attack at Bondi beach. Many were attending an event to mark the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

Authorities have confirmed that two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl were among the victims. This is what we know about those identified so far:

Matilda, 10

Authorities confirmed that a 10-year-old girl, named by her family to local media as Matilda, was among the dead. Irina Goodhew, who organised a fundraiser for the girl's mother and said she was the child's former teacher, wrote: I knew her as a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her. The Harmony Russian School of Sydney also confirmed that she was one of its students. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and everyone affected by this tragic event … Her memory will remain in our hearts, and we honor her life and the time she spent as part of our school family, the school expressed.

Meanwhile, her aunt spoke to ABC news and said that Matilda's sister, who was with her when she was shot, was struggling to come to terms with the loss. They were like twins — they've never been separated, she told the ABC.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger

Known as the Bondi Rabbi, Eli Schlanger, 41, was one of the key organisers of the event. The death of the British-born father of five was confirmed by his cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis. My dear cousin, Rabbi Eli Schlanger was murdered in today's terrorist attack in Sydney, Zalman wrote on Instagram. He leaves behind his wife & young children.

Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australia Jewry described him as the most godly, humane, kind, gracious human being I think I've ever met.

Dan Elkayam

The death of French national Dan Elkayam was confirmed by Frances's Foreign Minister. It's with immense sadness that we have learnt our compatriot Dan Elkayam was among the victims of the terrorist attack that hit Jewish families gathered on the beach at Bondi in Sydney, he wrote on social media. Dan was working as an IT analyst and was also a keen footballer.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was a Holocaust survivor who came to Australia from Ukraine. His wife recalled how he died shielding her from the gunman's bullets. I have no husband. I don't know where his body is. Nobody can give me any answer, she lamented.

Peter Meagher

Former police officer Peter Meagher was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event when he was killed. Mark Harrison, general manager of Randwick Rugby Club, stated that he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby. The tragic irony is that he spent so long in the dangerous front line as a Police Officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos in his passion role.\

Reuven Morrison

Reuven Morrison migrated to Australia from the former Soviet Union in the 1970s. He was a successful businessman and a beloved member of the community, known for his commitment to charitable causes.

The shooting has left a profound impact on the Jewish community and has ignited calls for deeper conversations around safety, unity, and the ongoing issues of violence that plague societies.