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ISIS-Inspired Terror Attack at Bondi Beach Hanukkah Celebration Claims 15 Lives
A deadly terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach has left 15 people dead, including a 10-year-old girl, Holocaust survivors, and community leaders. Australian authorities identified the assailants as a father-son duo inspired by ISIS. The father was killed at the scene, while his son was shot by police and taken into custody for medical treatment.
The attack, which has sent shockwaves throughout Australia and the global Jewish community, occurred during what was meant to be a joyous “Chanukah by the Sea” event. Victims ranged from young children to elderly community members, many of whom died protecting others.
Among those killed was 10-year-old Matilda Britvan, described by her aunt as “a happy kid” and “open-hearted.” Matilda, who was shot in front of her six-year-old sister, was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved. Her teacher, who established a memorial fund, remembered her as “a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her.”
The attack claimed the lives of several Holocaust survivors, including 87-year-old Alex Kleytman from Ukraine. According to reports, Kleytman died while shielding his wife of 57 years, Larisa, who is also a Holocaust survivor. “We were standing and suddenly came the ‘boom boom’, and everybody fell down. At this moment, he was behind me and at one moment he decided to go close to me. He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” Larisa told Australian media.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organizer of the event, was also among the victims. Schlanger had served the Bondi community as a rabbi and chaplain for 18 years. In September, he had written to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urging him “not to betray the Jewish people” after Australia voted at the United Nations to recognize Palestinian statehood.
Boris and Sofia Gurman, a Russian-Jewish couple who would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in January, died after confronting one of the gunmen. They momentarily managed to disarm him, but the attacker retrieved another rifle and killed them both. A memorial fund described them as “people of deep kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering care for others.”
Other victims included Edith Brutman, vice president of an anti-prejudice committee at B’nai B’rith New South Wales; Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, secretary of the Sydney Beth Din who was described as a “profoundly beloved and active member of the Sydney Jewish community”; and Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national who played soccer for the Rockdale Ilinden Football Club.
Peter Meagher, a retired detective sergeant with the NSW Police who was working as a freelance photographer at the event, was remembered by the Randwick Rugby Club as “a much loved figure and absolute legend.” Reuven Morrison, 62, who had migrated from the USSR to Australia, reportedly died while trying to protect his community from the gunmen despite being unarmed.
Tibor Weitzen, 78, known as the congregation’s beloved “candyman,” was killed while trying to shield his loved ones. His granddaughter told ABC, “He only saw the best in people and will be dearly missed.”
Marika Pogany, 82, a long-serving volunteer at COA Sydney, a service for Jewish seniors, was remembered for delivering 12,000 kosher Meals on Wheels over more than two decades. “She lifted the room simply by being in it. She asked for nothing and gave everything,” COA Sydney wrote.
The attack has prompted an outpouring of grief and solidarity from around the world, with religious and political leaders condemning the violence. Australian authorities have moved to tighten gun laws in response to the tragedy, which represents one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in the nation’s recent history.
As investigations continue into the ISIS-inspired attack, memorial services and vigils are being held across Australia to honor the victims and support the Jewish community during this difficult time.
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14 Comments
The loss of life, including a child and Holocaust survivors, is truly devastating. My condolences to the victims’ families and the broader Jewish community in Australia. This attack is a chilling reminder of the ongoing threats faced by minority groups.
You’re right, this attack is a terrible tragedy. I hope the authorities are able to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Jewish community deserves to feel safe and secure, especially during religious celebrations.
This attack is a devastating blow to the Jewish community in Australia. The loss of a young child and Holocaust survivors is particularly heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the victims’ families and loved ones.
This is a deeply disturbing and tragic incident. My condolences go out to the victims’ families and the broader Jewish community in Australia. Such senseless violence is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
I share your sentiment. This attack is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by minority communities, even in countries like Australia. I hope the authorities can provide the necessary support and security to help the community heal from this trauma.
It’s devastating to see such a horrific attack target a Hanukkah celebration, a time of joy and community. My deepest condolences go out to the families and the broader Jewish community in Australia. This is a tragic loss of life.
I agree, this is a truly tragic event. The targeting of a religious holiday celebration makes it even more disturbing. I hope the community can find ways to come together and support one another during this difficult time.
This is a horrific attack that has shaken the Australian Jewish community. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the victims, especially the young girl and Holocaust survivors. Such senseless violence is deeply saddening.
Agreed, this is a tragic and devastating event. The targeting of a Hanukkah celebration makes it even more heartbreaking. I hope the community can find some solace and healing in this difficult time.
The targeting of a Hanukkah celebration is a despicable act of violence. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the entire Australian Jewish community. This tragedy underscores the need for greater vigilance and protection for vulnerable groups.
This is a heartbreaking incident that underscores the need for heightened security and vigilance to protect vulnerable communities. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.
This is a terrible and tragic incident that has shaken the Australian Jewish community. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the broader community during this difficult time. Such senseless acts of violence must be condemned, and I hope the authorities can provide the necessary support and security to prevent similar attacks in the future.
This attack is truly heartbreaking, especially the loss of a young child and Holocaust survivors. My deepest condolences to the victims’ loved ones and the broader Jewish community in Australia. Such senseless violence is unacceptable and must be addressed with the utmost urgency.
I agree, this is a devastating tragedy that deserves the full attention and resources of the authorities. The targeting of a religious celebration is particularly disturbing and underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable communities.