On Dec. 14, 2025, as the Sydney Jewish community prepared to be among the first in the world to mark the first night of Chanukah at Chabad of Bondi’s annual “Chanukah at the Sea” event, terrorists stole the lives of 15 innocent souls and injured dozens more.
Here are those we lost:
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41
Known as the “Bondi Rabbi,” Rabbi Eli Schlanger was a Chabad-Lubavitch emissary who was an organizer of the “Chanukah by the Sea” event.
Born in London and ordained at the Central Lubavitcher Yeshiva in New York, Schlanger served as assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, a role he fulfilled with immense energy and passion. His influence extended far beyond the walls of the synagogue; he served as a chaplain for New South Wales correctional services and St. Vincent’s Hospital, and spearheaded initiatives ranging from digital outreach tools to Project Noah, which teaches universal moral laws. Friends and family described him as “a wonderful community man,” full of boundless enthusiasm and energy, and “just full of light.”
Rabbi Schlanger is survived by his wife, Chayale, and their five children, the youngest of whom is a two-month-old boy, whose bris was celebrated only weeks ago. He is also survived by his parents, Rabbi Binyomin and Dobra Schlanger, and eight siblings. Schlanger will be laid to rest in Sydney.
A fuller tribute to Rabbi Schlanger can be found here.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan was a vital, behind-the-scenes pillar of Sydney’s Jewish infrastructure. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Levitan’s background combined business knowledge and Talmudic studies, having earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of South Africa before pursuing Rabbinic and Talmudic Studies at Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem.
Known for his kindness and tireless work in assisting others, Levitan was also part of a global project providing tefillin to those who committed to wearing them daily. He served as the general manager of Chabad of Bondi and was the dedicated secretary of the Sydney Beth Din. Additionally, he was a key administrator for the BINA Library and Educational Resource Centre.
Beyond these roles, Levitan was also the founder and owner of tapNgive, a Sydney-based initiative providing streamlined and modernized ways for charities to raise funds.
He is survived by his wife, Adina, and four children between the ages of 6 and 16.
A fuller tribute to Rabbi Levitan can be found here.
Reuven Morrison, 62
Reuven Morrison was a businessman, philanthropist and member of the Chabad communities both in Melbourne and Sydney. Born in the former Soviet Union, he migrated to Australia as a teenager in the 1970s, seeking a safe environment far away from the persecution he had experienced in his youth in the USSR.
Known for his kindness and generosity, Morrison was a dedicated activist who remained acutely aware of the ever-present threat of antisemitism. In a 2024 media interview, he recalled the vigilance required to walk the streets of the USSR, yet expressed shock that similar intimidation was now appearing in Australia.
Footage of the terror attack shows Morrison attempting to distract the terrorists by making himself a bigger target, allowing others to flee, as he heroically stared down the terrorists, refusing to cower. He is also seen running at one of the gunmen and throwing a brick to stop him harming others, with no regard for his own personal safety while his friends and family were in danger.
Morrison is survived by his wife, Leah; their daughter, Shaina, and son-in-law; and grandchildren.
A close friend’s tribute to Reuven Morrison can be found here.
Boris, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61
The Russian Jewish couple have been identified as heroes in the aftermath of the Bondi Chanukah massacre, when footage taken from a dashcam on a passing car revealed Boris—with Sofia at his side—wrestling with one of the terrorists next to his terror-flag adorned vehicle in the early stages of the attack. Boris was able to strip the gun from the terrorist before they both fell onto the road. The brave man then appears to hit the terrorist with the gun before the terrorist was tragically able to reach another weapon, and then murder them in cold blood.
“While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness,” the family said in a statement. “This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were—people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others.”
The Gurmans were longtime residents of Bondi and had been married for 34 years. They were looking forward to celebrating Sofia’s birthday on Dec. 17 and their 35th anniversary in January. The heroic couple are survived by their son.
Alex Kleytman, 87
Ukraine-born Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman attended the event with his wife, Larisa, his children and grandchildren, a Chanukah tradition they celebrated every year since immigrating to Australia.
“I think he was shot because he raised himself up to protect me,” Mrs. Kleytman said, describing the chaos as the festivities were interrupted by gunfire. She recalled that as others dropped to the ground, her husband instinctively moved to cover her, using his body as a shield.
Kleytman, a patriarch who leaves behind two children and 11 grandchildren, is remembered as a man whose life was defined by resilience and family.
Tibor Weitzen, 78
Tibor Weitzen, a beloved patriarch of the Chabad of Bondi community, was remembered by his community as a man full of life, joy and laughter. He died trying to shield Edith Brutman, who also lost her life.
Within synagogue, children knew the Israeli Weitzen as the “sweetest and kindest man” who never failed to greet them with a smile and a lollipop, earning him his affectionate nickname.
A dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Weitzen’s life revolved around his family and community. His grandson, Mendy Amzalak, a first responder, tragically came upon his grandfather’s body at the scene.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marika Pogany, 82
Marika Pogany, a Hungarian-born childhood Holocaust survivor and tireless community volunteer, had lived in Australia for decades and was seated in the front rows of the annual “Chanukah by the Sea” event when the two gunmen opened fire on the crowd.
Known by friends as an “amazing person,” Pogany was widely recognized for her decades of service within the Jewish community. Her deep dedication to assisting others was exemplified in 2022, when she received an award honoring her work delivering 12,000 Kosher Meals on Wheels over the course of more than two decades.
Edith Brutman
After battling a number of health issues that precluded her from participating in community events, Edith Brutman was excited to go to Bondi Beach to celebrate “Chanukah at the Sea” with her community. Tragically, she was murdered during the massacre, despite the heroic efforts of fellow victim Tibor Weitzen to protect her with his own body.
A beloved grandmother, Brutman served as the vice president of an anti-prejudice committee in the B’nai Brith NSW organization.
Boris Tetleroyd
Boris Tetleroyd has been identified as one of the victims of the Bondi Chanukah Massacre by his family in a statement to local media, adding that his son Yaakov sustained injuries in the terror attack.
Described as a “warm, generous and deeply sociable man,” Tetleroyd’s death has stunned his loved ones. “Still, we do not seek blame or division,” they said. “We seek understanding, compassion and the ability to move forward without having to hide who we are.”
Dan Elkayam, 27
Dan Elkayam moved to Australia approximately a year ago to work in engineering, quickly establishing himself as a beloved figure in Sydney’s south through his involvement with the Rockdale Ilinden Football Club.
A talented athlete and a close friend to many, he is described by friends as a “happy, vibrant young man.” The young Frenchman reportedly tried to intervene between one of the shooters and a 12-year-old girl, who later died from her injuries at a hospital.
Matilda, 10
Matilda was tragically killed attending the Chanukah event at Bondi Beach with her family, the youngest of the 15 victims.
“I knew her as a bright, joyful and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her,” described a former teacher. In a statement, the Harmony Russian School, where she was a student, expressed its collective mourning, announcing that the school would remember Matilda “with love, grief and deep sorrow.”
Adam Smyth, 50
An ordinary Sunday evening walk on Bondi Beach turned tragic for Adam Smyth and his wife, Katrina, when they were caught up in the Bondi Chanukah massacre.
The father of four and sports fanatic is being remembered as someone who “was a generous and kind person who will be dearly missed and is forever irreplaceable.”
“We will forever cherish the time we have had with him,” the family said.
Peter Meagher, 61
Peter Meagher was a retired detective sergeant with the NSW Police and a member of the Randwick Rugby club, and following his retirement after 34 years of service, he embraced his passion for photography and made a career of it. “Marzo,” as he was known, was on assignment taking photos of “Chanukah by the Sea” when he was murdered during the terrorist attack.
Tania Treitak, 68
The beloved grandmother from Randwick, Sydney, was named by her family as the final person identified among those killed in Bondi Chanukah massacre. Tretiak was attending the event with her family when the terrorist attack occurred, bringing the confirmed death toll to 15 innocent victims.
May their memory be for a blessing.
To read more about the heroes of Bondi Beach, click here.
A campaign has also been launched to support the victims of the attack. To donate, click here.
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