Victims Identified in Sydney Hanukkah Attack

The recent attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration resulted in the deaths of several individuals, including community leaders and a Holocaust survivor.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 40, served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Born in London, he studied at Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in Brunoy, France, and received his rabbinic ordination in New York City. He is survived by his wife and five children, the youngest born just two months ago. In March, Rabbi Schlanger encouraged Jews to stand proudly in the face of rising antisemitism, stating, "My car—emblazoned with mitzvah symbols—is a living example of pride and resilience."

Alex Kleytman, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor, was celebrating Hanukkah with his wife, Larisa, when the attack occurred. He was killed while shielding Larisa from the bullets. Larisa recounted, "I think he was shot because he raised himself up to protect me, in the back of the head."

Dan Elkayam, 27, immigrated to Sydney from France last year for work. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed Elkayam's death, expressing "immense sadness" and mourning with his family and loved ones.

Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitan, a Chabad emissary and secretary of the Sydney Beth Din, was also among the victims. He worked at the BINA Center, a Jewish educational institution in Sydney.

Reuven Morrison, an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, discovered his Jewish identity in Sydney and remained deeply connected to the community even after moving to Melbourne. He was a successful businessman and donated generously to charitable causes, including Chabad of Bondi.

The attack, carried out by a father and son, resulted in 16 deaths, including the elder gunman. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the act as "pure evil" and vowed to "eradicate" antisemitism.