Family react at the coffin of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a victim of the Bondi Beach mass shooting, during his funeral at a synagogue in Bondi on Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025, Sydney, Australia. (AP Photo)
Grief swept through Sydney on Wednesday as funerals began for victims of an antisemitic mass shooting that shattered a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. Hundreds gathered in mourning, united by tears, prayers, and anger, as Australia confronted one of the darkest hate-fuelled attacks in its modern history.
The attack unfolded on Sunday when two gunmen opened fire on Jews celebrating Hanukkah by the sea. Fifteen people were killed. More than 20 others remain hospitalised. All identified victims so far were Jewish.
As families began burying their loved ones, the nation struggled to process the scale of the tragedy. Questions are mounting about antisemitism, gun access, and whether authorities did enough to protect Jewish communities despite known threats.
A community buries its dead
Sydney’s Jewish community, close-knit and deeply shaken, came together for a day of anguish. The victims ranged from a 10-year-old child to an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor.
Jewish tradition calls for burial within 24 hours. However, funerals were delayed due to coronial investigations linked to the mass killing.
Police maintained a heavy presence outside funeral venues, reflecting ongoing security concerns and the gravity of the moment.
A photo of shooting victim Matilda, a 10-year-old. Memorial made at the Bondi Pavilion in Sydney, Dec 17, 2025.
First farewell to a community leader
The first funeral was held for Eli Schlanger, 41, a husband, father of five, and assistant rabbi at Chabad-Lubavitch of Bondi. He organised the Chanukah by the Sea event targeted by the attackers.
Born in London, Schlanger served as a prison chaplain across New South Wales and worked in a Sydney hospital. He was widely known for his warmth and devotion.
His father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, spoke through tears. He expressed regret for not telling Schlanger often enough how deeply he was loved and valued.
Mourners described him as generous, joyful, and irreplaceable. Many said his presence shaped their lives and faith.
Acts of bravery and young lives lost
Among the dead were Boris and Sofia Gurman, a couple in their 60s. They were shot while trying to stop one gunman during the attack.
Another victim, Reuven Morrison, also in his 60s, was killed while throwing bricks at an attacker to protect others.
Children were present at the celebration, which included games, treats, and a petting zoo. The youngest victim was Matilda, aged 10.
At a vigil, her parents asked people to remember her name. Her mother said Matilda would forever live in their hearts.
Suspects and investigation
Australian police identified the attackers as a father and son, aged 50 and 24. Authorities said the shooting was a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State group.
The father, Sajid Akram, was shot dead at the scene. The son, Australian-born, remains hospitalised after waking from a coma. Police plan to charge him once he is medically fit.
Investigators are reviewing what security agencies knew about the pair. The younger suspect had come to official attention in 2019.
Authorities are also examining their recent travel to the Philippines. Officials there said no evidence links them to foreign militant groups.
Political reckoning and promises
The attack has intensified scrutiny of Australia’s response to antisemitism. Jewish leaders say warnings about rising hate were ignored.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged decisive action to combat antisemitism and tighten gun laws further. Proposed reforms include restricting gun ownership to citizens and limiting weapon numbers.
The move would mark the most significant gun reforms since 1996, when Australia reshaped its firearm laws after the Port Arthur massacre.
Swimmers gathered for a morning vigil in Sydney, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, following Sunday’s shooting incident at Bondi Beach. (AAP image via AP)
A nation stands together
Across Australia, people sought ways to respond. Blood donation centres saw long queues. At Bondi Beach, hundreds formed a silent circle at dawn before entering the sea together.
Parts of the beach remain cordoned off. Shoes and towels left behind still mark the chaos of the escape.
Yet the Hanukkah celebration will return next year. Community leaders say it will stand as defiance against hatred.
“The Jewish people are unbeatable,” Ulman said. “We will grow stronger.”
