Bondi Beach shooting: Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Frenchman Dan Elkayam identified as among victims who died
Members of the Jewish community who were targeted in a terror attack on Sydney’s Bondi Beach have begun to be identified, including a Holocaust survivor who died protecting his wife.
Fifteen innocent people lost their lives after two gunmen opened fire at the beach on Sunday evening as hundreds of people gathered there for an event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.NSW Senator Dave Sharma has confirmed that Rabbi Eli Schlanger was one of the victims killed at the event.
“Rabbi Eli Schlanger touched the hearts and lives of many, with his warmth, generosity, enthusiasm and compassion,” Mr Sharma wrote on Facebook.
“He leaves behind a loving wife, dear children, extended family, and the souls of many who encountered his indefatigable faith in humanity. One of many victims of the 14 December Bondi terrorist attack.
“May his memory be a blessing.”
Dan Elkayam
The French Foreign Minister has confirmed Frenchman Dan Elkayam was among those killed in the horrific shooting.
“It is with immense sadness that we learned that our compatriot Dan Elkayam would be among the victims of the vile terrorist attack that struck the Jewish families gathered on Bondi Beach in Sydney on the first day of Hanukkah,” he wrote on X.
“We mourn with his family and loved ones, with the Jewish community and the bereaved Australian people. This ignoble act is a new tragic manifestation of an outrageous outpouring of antisemitic hatred to which we must put a stop.
“France will spare no effort to root out antisemitism wherever it emerges, and to combat terrorism in all its forms. The lights of Hanukkah must not go out and will not go out.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also paid his respects to Mr Elkayam on social media.
“I think of his family and loved ones and express to them the full solidarity of the nation,” he wrote.
Alexander Kleytman
Holocaust survivor, Alexander Kleytman, is also among those confirmed dead.
“Alex was murdered while shielding his wife during the massacre. He leaves behind his beloved wife, two children, and eleven grandchildren,” wrote Stand With Us, a nonprofit organisation fighting against anti-Semitism.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan and Reuven Morrison
Two other victims, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan and Reuven Morrison, have been identified.
What do we know so far about other victims?
As of 8am on Monday, 16 people were confirmed dead, including one of the gunmen. Eleven patients were listed as critical condition and are fighting for their lives. Two of those are reported to be police officers.
The victims’ age ranges from 10 to 87 years old.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack a “pure act of evil” and said flags would fly at half mast to honour the victims.
“This was an attack deliberately targeted at a Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah, which, of course, should be a joyous celebration,” he told reporters.
“Yesterday was indeed a dark day in our nation’s history, but we as a nation are stronger than the cowards who did this,” he added.
