At least 15 people were killed when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, marking one of the deadliest antisemitic terror attacks outside Israel in decades.
The attack targeted a “Chanukah by the Sea” event organized by the Chabad movement, attended by approximately 1,000 people. Around 50 shots were fired, and dozens were wounded, including two police officers.
Among the victims were two Chabad rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, a recent immigrant, and a 10-year-old girl.
Those killed included Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a beloved Chabad leader and father of five; Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitan, a communal organizer and educator; Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor who died protecting his wife; Dan Elkayam, 27, a French immigrant working in IT; Reuven Morrison, a philanthropist; Matilda, the youngest victim; Tibor Weitzen, 78, a grandfather killed shielding others; Peter Meagher, a retired police officer; and Marika Pogany, 82, a community volunteer honored for decades of service.
Authorities said one attacker was killed at the scene, while the second was arrested in critical condition.
Jewish leaders worldwide condemned the attack, calling it a devastating act of terror aimed at a peaceful religious gathering.
