On Wednesday, December 17th, residents of Sydney, Australia held the first funeral for the victims of the tragic shooting incident at Bondi Beach. Thousands gathered at the Chabad of Bondi center to mourn the death of 41-year-old Rabbi Eli Schlanger. This shooting incident resulted in the death of 15 individuals, making it the deadliest shooting event in Australia since 1996.
Schlanger, one of the two rabbis killed that day, had served at the Chabad of Bondi center for many years and had helped organize the Hanukkah celebration on Sunday. Born in the UK, he had welcomed his fifth child just two months prior.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that preliminary investigations suggest that the attacker may have been influenced by the Islamic State (ISIS) organization.
At Schlanger’s memorial service, Rabbi Levi Wolff expressed that Schlanger’s passing was an “indescribable loss” for the community, the Chabad of Bondi center, and the “entire Jewish nation.”
“Eli was taken from us while doing what he loved most,” Wolff said. “He spent his life spreading love and joy, selflessly caring for his people. His passing elevated him to the highest, supremely sacred soul.”
Schlanger’s father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, also deeply mourned his passing, describing him not only as a beloved figure in the community but as “my son, my friend, my confidant.”
Ulman admitted his biggest regret was not expressing love and gratitude to his son-in-law more often, saying, “How much we loved him, how much I loved him, how grateful we are for everything he did, how proud we are of him.”
Ulman urged the Jewish community not to retreat and announced that on the final night of Hanukkah that Sunday, they would continue a 31-year tradition of lighting the final candle at Bondi Beach in response to hate.
Several hours later, the funeral for another slain rabbi, 39-year-old Yaakov Levitan, who had four children, would also take place.
Matilda, a 10-year-old girl who was the youngest victim in the case, would have her funeral on Thursday, December 18th. Her father expressed gratitude to lifeguards, passersby, and police for bravely saving his daughter during the shooting. He particularly mentioned a stranger who held his daughter “Summer” close for 10 minutes during the ordeal.
“I want to extend my utmost gratitude to the lady who saved Summer,” he said. “I don’t know who she is, but she kept holding my daughter until the shooting ended.”
Many political figures attended Schlanger’s funeral, including opposition leader Sussan Ley, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon.
Prime Minister Albanese’s absence sparked criticism from some in the Jewish community. In response, Albanese, in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), stated, “I would attend any funeral I’m invited to. These funerals are for saying goodbye to people’s loved ones.”
Addressing criticism of the government’s perceived insufficient efforts in combating anti-Semitism, Albanese mentioned various measures taken, such as appointing Australia’s first Anti-Semitism Commissioner, strengthening hate speech laws, and increasing funding for social cohesion projects and Jewish institutions.
New South Wales police confirmed that the 24-year-old suspect, Naveed Akram, had been charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder, one count of terrorism, and 40 counts of intending to cause grievous bodily harm.
Akram’s 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police at the scene.
Health authorities reported that 21 people were still receiving treatment in hospitals across Sydney, with one individual in critical condition.
Police confirmed that two on-duty officers were seriously injured during the incident, with 22-year-old officer Jack Hibbert having lost sight in one eye.
Despite his injuries, Hibbert continued to protect civilians with courage, instinct, and selflessness until he could no longer bear it.
Another injured officer, Scott Dyson, underwent surgery again on Wednesday morning and was in critical but stable condition.