At least 15 people were killed when two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach in Sydney; police have declared the attack a terrorist incident. Victims range in age from 10 to 87 and include a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor and a French national. Several victims are being remembered for acts of bravery while community groups and international leaders have condemned the attack. Investigations and efforts to identify victims and notify next of kin are ongoing.
Bondi Beach Hanukkah Attack: At Least 15 Killed Including a 10-Year-Old, Holocaust Survivor and a French National
(From left) Matilda, Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Peter Meagher. - Family Handout/Tzipporah Kastel/Randwick Rubgy Handout
At least 15 people were killed and many others injured when two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in Sydney. New South Wales police have declared the incident a terrorist attack. Victims range in age from 10 to 87, and families, community groups and leaders have begun mourning, fundraising and holding memorials.
What Happened
Police say two attackers opened fire at families gathered to mark the first night of Hanukkah. The violence has been described as Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to confirm identities and notify next of kin.
Image shows 10-year-old Matilda at Bondi Beach, Sydney on December 14, 2025. - Family Handout
Victims And Remembrances
Matilda, 10: Described by relatives as a “very sweet, happy child with a beautiful smile,” Matilda was at the Hanukkah event with family and friends when she was wounded and later died in hospital. Her parents and teacher have paid tribute; a GoFundMe was launched to support the family. The family emigrated from Ukraine to Australia in the 1990s.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41: Organizer of the “Chanukah by the Sea” event and assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, Schlanger was remembered as a devoted community leader and chaplain. He leaves a wife and young children; his youngest son was born in October.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger - Chabad
Alex Kleytman, 87: A Holocaust survivor, Kleytman reportedly died shielding his wife from gunfire. He and his wife migrated from Ukraine and had been married nearly 60 years. Chabad described him as a man defined by resilience and family.
Dan Elkayam, 27: A French national who had recently moved to Australia, Elkayam was among the dead. France’s foreign minister condemned the attack and pledged action against antisemitism. Elkayam played football locally and worked in technical support for an international media company.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan - Charidy
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39: A key behind-the-scenes figure in Sydney’s Jewish community, Levitan served as general manager at Chabad of Bondi and as secretary at the Sydney Beth Din. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Reuven Morrison, 62: A Melbourne businessman and philanthropist, Morrison is remembered for distracting the attackers to allow others to escape. He emigrated from the former Soviet Union in the 1970s and was known for charitable giving.
Peter Meagher was a first grade manager at Randwick Rugby club and former New South Wales police officer. - Randwick Rubgy Handout
Peter Meagher: A former NSW police detective and long-time Randwick Rugby Club volunteer, Meagher was working as a freelance photographer at the event when he was killed. He served almost 40 years in the force and retired as a detective sergeant.
Tibor Weitzen, 78: A beloved congregation member described as a “sweet grandpa,” Weitzen reportedly died shielding a family friend. His body was later found by his grandson, who had been helping to give first aid.
Boris and Sofia Gurman were fatally shot in the attack and were the first victims of the rampage, according to 9News. - Gurman Family
Marika Pogány, 82: A Slovak citizen and longtime volunteer in Sydney’s Jewish community, Pogány was shot and killed. She was honored for decades of volunteer service, including delivering thousands of kosher meals over many years.
Boris and Sofia Gurman, 69 and 61: A Russian-Jewish couple who lived in Bondi, they were among the first victims. Dashcam footage reportedly shows Boris attempting to disarm an attacker; both he and Sofia were fatally shot. Family members described their actions as instinctive and selfless.
Edith Brutman: A longtime campaigner against prejudice and discrimination and a vice-president of B’nai B’rith NSW’s Alfred Dreyfuss Anti-Defamation Unit, Brutman was remembered for principled service to the community.
Boris Tetleroyd: Killed while attending the event with his son, who was wounded and is recovering. Family members described him as a beloved husband and father; a verified crowdfunding page has been set up to support his wife and family.
Adam Smyth, 50: A father of four and sports fan, Smyth was killed while walking on the beach with his wife, who survived. Family statements described him as generous and deeply loved.
Community Response And Ongoing Investigation
Chabad and other community organizations have mourned prominent community members lost in the attack and are coordinating memorials, grief support and fundraising. International leaders, including officials in France, have condemned the attack and pledged action against antisemitism and terrorism. Police continue to investigate, confirm victim identities and notify families.
“Kids are supposed to be happy. They should be playing on the beach, not thinking about bullets flying around,” Matilda’s aunt said, capturing the shock and grief felt across Sydney.
This account will be updated as authorities release further information and families make public statements.
