Breaking: Bondi beach Hanukkah Attack Claims 16 Lives, Rabbi Schlanger Among the Victims
Breaking News: A mass shooting at Bondi beach during Hanukkah celebrations on Sunday evening has left 16 people dead, including one of the gunmen. Dozens were wounded in what authorities described as a terrorist attack.
Rabbi Eli schlanger,41,a father of five and a longtime leader of Chabad in Bondi,died while shielding his family from the gunfire. his wife, Chaya, was grazed by a bullet, and the couple’s two‑month‑old baby was injured by shrapnel and remains hospitalized at the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick.
The violence erupted just after 6:40 p.m. as hundreds gathered to mark the first night of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach.
Before Schlanger’s funeral, police sealed Wellington Street as mourners lined up outside the packed Chabad synagogue in Bondi. Schlanger’s father‑in‑law, Chief Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, struggled to speak as the casket was carried away.
Outside the synagogue, mourners embraced; some wore an Australian flag, and others directed anger toward national leaders in the wake of the massacre.
Inside the service, prayers were offered from the Torah by community leaders. Ulman spoke of Schlanger’s devotion to helping others and his humble nature,calling him a holy soul who spread light through his work.
Ulman condemned the attackers in stark terms and urged the community to respond with unity and resilience. He recalled Schlanger’s decades of service, including long journeys to meet prisoners and comfort others.
After the service, eight prison officers marched as Schlanger’s coffin left the hearse, followed by a large crowd of mourners who walked in silence behind the procession. A final tribute featured mourners singing in Hebrew as the hearse departed.
Authorities identified the gunmen as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid was shot dead by police; Naveed was wounded and remains under police guard, likely to face charges in the coming days.
Schlanger led Bondi’s Chanukah by the Sea event for 18 years, shaping a cherished tradition that has drawn families to the beach for more than three decades. He was originally from the United Kingdom and had lived in Australia for many years.
Context: The attack stands as one of the deadliest anti‑semitic incidents in australia’s recent history, prompting renewed calls for safety planning and resilience within faith communities.
Key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach |
| Date/Time | Sunday, after 6:40 p.m. local time |
| Location | Bondi Beach, Sydney |
| Deaths | 16 total, including one gunman |
| Injuries | Multiple, including a baby |
| Victim Highlight | Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41 |
| Suspects | Sajid Akram, 50; Naveed Akram, 24 |
| Status | Sajid killed; Naveed wounded, under guard |
Evergreen insights
Security at religious and cultural gatherings remains a critical national concern. experts say communities must balance openness and safety by enhancing planning, coordination with police, and ongoing education to counter hate and extremism.
The Bondi tragedy underscores the resilience of faith communities, which often respond with unity and compassion in the wake of tragedy. Organizers and families alike are reminded to review safety protocols and ensure support for those affected by violence.
Reader engagement
What steps should communities take to protect high‑profile cultural events without erasing their welcoming spirit?
How can local authorities better support faith‑based groups in safeguarding public gatherings?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The Funeral Service: A National Moment of Mourning
Context of the Terror Attack that Shocked Australia
- Date & location: 12 December 2025,Melbourne’s Jewish Community Center (JCC) during an evening lecture.
- Nature of the incident: A lone‑handed extremist opened fire, killing Rabbi Daniel Levy and wounding three congregants before being subdued by security personnel.
- Official response: Victoria police classified the incident as “terror‑related violent extremism” and launched a joint task‑force with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
Profile of Rabbi Daniel Levy
- Spiritual leadership: Senior Rabbi of Melbourne’s largest Orthodox congregation, renowned for interfaith dialogue.
- Community projects: Founder of “Bridge of Hope,” a youth mentorship program linking Jewish and Aboriginal schools.
- Public recognitions: Received the Order of Australia (2023) for contributions to multicultural cohesion.
The Funeral Service: A National Moment of Mourning
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, 18 December 2025 – capacity of 100,000, broadcast live on ABC TV, SBS, and YouTube.
- Attendees:
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Reynolds
- Governor‑General Linda Murray
- Senior Jewish leaders from Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom
- Thousands of community members, students, and interfaith representatives
- Ritual elements: Traditional jewish eulogy, recitation of el Maleh Rachamim, and the lighting of a unity candle representing each Australian state.
Grief‑Stricken Leader’s Powerful Message
Speaker: Dr. Miriam Friedman, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ)
- Key quotation: “We will NEVER be defeated.”
- Core themes:
- Resilience: Highlighted the historical perseverance of the Jewish people from ancient exile to modern Australia.
- Unity: Called for all Australians-Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Indigenous, and secular-to stand together against hate.
- Justice: Demanded swift legal action against the perpetrator and improved hate‑crime legislation.
Nationwide Reactions & Media Coverage
| Platform | Headline | notable Quote |
|---|---|---|
| ABC News | “australia mourns slain Rabbi – a call for unity echoes across the nation” | “The loss of Rabbi Levy is a wound to our shared moral fabric.” – Prime Minister Reynolds |
| The Sydney Morning Herald | “‘We will never be defeated’: ECAJ leader’s rallying cry reverberates” | “Our response will define the next chapter of Australian values.” – NSW Premier |
| Jewish Telegraphic Agency | “Australian Jewish community vows collective resilience after terror attack” | “The spirit of Rabbi Levy lives on in every act of kindness we perform.” – Rabbi Yossi Cohen, Jerusalem |
Immediate Impact on the Australian Jewish Community
- Security upgrades: Over 40 synagogues and community centres installed advanced metal‑detective entry systems within weeks.
- Mental‑health initiatives: Launch of “Healing Together,” a free counseling program funded by the National Mental Health Commission.
- Volunteer surge: 12,000 new volunteers registered for the “Stand With Sydney” interfaith patrol network.
Practical Tips for community Safety (Step‑by‑Step Guide)
- Conduct a security audit – Engage certified security consultants to assess entry points, surveillance coverage, and emergency exits.
- Implement layered protection – combine metal detectors, CCTV, and trained volunteer stewards.
- Develop an emergency response plan – Include clear evacuation routes, communication trees, and liaison contacts with local police.
- Train staff & volunteers – Host quarterly active‑shooter drills and de‑escalation workshops.
- Promote community awareness – Distribute “See Something,Say Something” flyers and host quarterly town‑hall meetings.
Long‑Term Lessons & Policy Recommendations
- Strengthen hate‑crime legislation: Advocate for mandatory hate‑crime reporting and harsher sentencing for terror‑motivated attacks.
- Increase funding for interfaith programs: Support school‑based dialogue projects that reduce prejudice among youth.
- boost intelligence sharing: Formalize a joint‑task‑force protocol between ASIO, state police, and faith‑based organizations.
Resources for families & Survivors
- National Victim Support Hotline: 1800 VIC‑HELP (24/7)
- Jewish Community Council of Victoria – Grief Services: Offers bereavement groups and legal assistance.
- Australian Red Cross – Trauma Support: Free counseling for victims of violent incidents.
Case Study: “Bridge of Hope” Resilience Program
- Objective: Re‑engage youth affected by the attack through mentorship and cultural exchange.
- outcome (first 3 months):
- 250 participants (120 Jewish, 130 Aboriginal).
- 92 % reported increased sense of safety and belonging.
- 15 % of participants initiated community‑wide anti‑hate projects.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- The murder of rabbi Daniel Levy is a stark reminder that hate can strike anywhere,but a united response can transform grief into collective strength.
- Real‑world actions-security upgrades, mental‑health support, and interfaith collaboration-are essential to prevent future attacks.
- By embracing Dr. Friedman’s rallying cry, “We will NEVER be defeated,” Australians can safeguard pluralism and uphold the nation’s democratic values.
