Tragedy Strikes Bondi Beach: Remembering the Victims of the Shooting

Mon Dec 15 2025 11:52:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A shocking shooting during a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach results in the loss of 15 lives, including a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor. This article pays tribute to those who perished in this tragic event.

On Sunday, a mass shooting occurred at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, claiming the lives of 15 individuals, including a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, two rabbis, and Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman. The victims are remembered for their vibrant lives and contributions to the community, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from family, friends, and organizations.

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.

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. 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.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger
Known as the Bondi Rabbi, Eli Schlanger, 41, was one of the key organisers of Sunday's event. The death of the British-born father of five was confirmed by his cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis. He was truly an incredible guy. In a post on its website, Chabad said Schlanger's youngest child was just two months old.

Dan Elkayam
The death of French national Dan Elkayam was confirmed by Frances's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. According to his LinkedIn profile, Elkayam worked as an IT analyst for NBCUniversal and had moved to Australia last year.

Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was a Holocaust survivor who came to Australia from Ukraine. Chabad wrote that Alexander died shielding her from the gunman's bullets. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind two children and 11 grandchildren.

Peter Meagher
Former police officer Peter Meagher was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event when he was killed. For him it was simply a catastrophic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, said Mark Harrison, of Randwick Rugby Club.

Reuven Morrison
Reuven Morrison migrated to Australia from the former Soviet Union in the 1970s. A successful businessman, he was known for his philanthropic efforts towards charities he cherished.