The Bondi Beach shooting has left an indelible mark on a community, shattering lives and raising profound questions about safety and tolerance. But who were the victims behind the headlines? Among the at least 15 civilians confirmed dead, their stories are a poignant reminder of the human cost of such tragedies. Many had gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, a festival of light, only to be plunged into darkness.
Here’s what we know about some of the victims—and this is the part most people miss:
Matilda, 10
A young girl whose life was cut tragically short, Matilda was described by her former teacher, Irina Goodhew, as a 'bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her.' Her sister, who was with her during the shooting, is now grappling with an unimaginable loss. 'They were like twins—they’ve never been separated,' their aunt told ABC News. Matilda was also a student at the Harmony Russian School of Sydney, which mourned her passing with heartfelt condolences, honoring her memory as part of their school family.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger
Known affectionately as the 'Bondi Rabbi,' Eli Schlanger, 41, was a pillar of the community and a key organizer of the Hanukkah event. A British-born father of five, including a two-month-old baby, he was the head of the local Chabad mission. His cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, confirmed his death, calling him 'truly an incredible guy.' Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australia Jewry added, 'He was the most godly, humane, kind, gracious human being I think I’ve ever met.'
Dan Elkayam
A French national who had moved to Australia the previous year, Dan worked as an IT analyst for NBCUniversal. He was also a passionate footballer and a beloved member of the Rockdale Ilindin Football Club. 'An extremely talented and popular figure,' the club wrote, 'he will be deeply missed.' France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed immense sadness, mourning with Dan’s family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
Alexander Kleytman
A Holocaust survivor who had fled Ukraine for a safer life in Australia, Alexander’s story is particularly heart-wrenching. His wife, Larisa, recounted the moment he was shot while trying to shield her from the gunman. 'He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,' she said. Alexander leaves behind two children and 11 grandchildren, his legacy one of resilience and love.
Peter Meagher
A former police officer turned freelance photographer, Peter was at the event capturing moments of joy when tragedy struck. 'A catastrophic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time,' said Mark Harrison of the Randwick Rugby Club, where Peter was a beloved figure. Known as 'Marzo,' he had spent nearly four decades in the NSW Police Force, earning the respect of his colleagues. The irony of his death, after a career in law enforcement, is almost too much to bear.
Reuven Morrison
A teenager when he migrated to Australia from the former Soviet Union in the 1970s, Reuven sought a safe haven from anti-Semitism. 'Australia is the safest country in the world,' he once told the ABC. A successful businessman, he dedicated much of his earnings to charities, particularly Chabad of Bondi. His death is a stark reminder of the fragility of that safety.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan
Described as a 'popular coordinator' of Chabad activities in Sydney, Rabbi Levitan also served as secretary of the Sydney Beth Din and worked at the BINA Center, a hub for Jewish learning. His death leaves a void in the community he served with dedication.
But here's where it gets controversial: In a world that often feels divided, how do we ensure that such tragedies do not deepen existing rifts? And what more can be done to protect communities from hate-driven violence? These questions linger, inviting us to reflect and act. What are your thoughts? Do you believe enough is being done to foster unity and safety? Share your perspective in the comments below.
