Who Were the Victims of the Bondi Beach Shooting? Inside Australia’s Deadliest Hanukkah Attack
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — The victims of the Bondi Beach shooting at a Hanukkah celebration have begun to be publicly identified, as Australia mourns the lives lost in one of its deadliest terror attacks in decades. The mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach targeted a Jewish festival, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 40 others. Authorities and families are sharing the stories of loved ones who died and highlighting acts of bravery amid the chaos.
Victims Ranged From Children to Elderly Community Members
Officials confirmed that the victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence. Among those killed were a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and rabbinical leaders who had traveled to Bondi to celebrate Hanukkah — the Jewish festival of lights.
Several victims have been named by family members and local officials:
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, a devoted grandfather and member of Bondi’s Chabad Synagogue, was killed while celebrating with loved ones.
- Marika Pogány, 82, a Slovak citizen, died during the attack, remembered by friends as an extraordinary woman who lived life with courage.
- Edith Brutman, an anti-discrimination advocate who dedicated her life to community service, was also among the dead.
- Boris and Sofia Gurman, a longtime Bondi couple, died while attempting to confront a shooter to protect others, captured in dashcam footage released this week.
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, a beloved assistant rabbi and father of five, was killed while helping lead the Hanukkah event.
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Holocaust survivor who had immigrated to Australia decades earlier, died shielding his wife.
Family, friends, and community leaders have described the victims as kind, generous, and devoted to helping others, emphasizing the deep personal losses felt across communities in Sydney and beyond.
Attack Designated as Terrorism Against Jewish Community
Australian authorities have labeled the Bondi Beach shooting a terrorist act and an antisemitic attack, stating that the gunmen deliberately targeted the Jewish community during their religious festival. Police say the shooters — a father and son — opened fire on the crowd, killing civilians of all ages before they were stopped by law enforcement.
Injured Include Police and Community Members
In addition to the fatalities, dozens of people were wounded in the attack, including police officers who responded to the scene and other attendees who were celebrating with family and friends. Many remain hospitalized, with some in serious but stable condition.
Heroic Acts Highlighted Amid Tragedy
Amid the horror, stories of courage have emerged. Ahmed al Ahmed, a local shopkeeper, tackled one of the gunmen, wresting a weapon away and helping prevent further bloodshed — actions that saved lives and exemplified selfless bravery in the face of terror.
National Response and Mourning
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other leaders have condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. As the nation grieves, memorials and vigils continue across Sydney and around the world to honor the lives lost in this horrific event.
