In Sydney, Australia, on December 17, 2025, hundreds of mourners gathered to begin the funerals for the victims of a horrific antisemitic mass shooting that occurred during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach. The attack, which took place on December 14, left 15 people dead, with over 20 others hospitalized. All of the victims identified so far were members of the Jewish community, highlighting the shocking nature of the crime that has left the country grappling with questions surrounding antisemitism and gun control.
The first funeral service was held for Eli Schlanger, a 41-year-old assistant rabbi at Chabad-Lubavitch of Bondi, who was deeply involved in organizing the Hanukkah by the Sea event where the attack unfolded. Schlanger, a father of five and minister in prisons, was remembered fondly by family and friends. Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, Schlanger's father-in-law, expressed profound grief, wishing he had conveyed his love and appreciation for Schlanger more often. This sentiment resonated with many in attendance, as the community united to mourn the loss of a cherished figure.
Among the other victims were Boris and Sofia Gurman, a couple in their 60s who attempted to disarm one of the shooters, and Reuven Morrison, who was also killed while trying to protect others. The youngest victim was 10-year-old Matilda, whose parents urged attendees at a vigil to remember her name, emphasizing the lasting impact of their loss. The funerals, delayed due to ongoing coronial investigations, were marked by a heavy police presence, reflecting the tense atmosphere following the attack.
The shooters, identified as Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, targeted the Jewish community under the influence of Islamic State ideology. Investigations revealed that Sajid Akram was killed during the attack, while Naveed Akram, who was recovering from a coma in a hospital, is expected to face charges. The younger suspect had previously drawn the attention of security services, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of existing preventive measures. Authorities are now scrutinizing his travel to the Philippines in November, where they plan to investigate potential links to international militant groups.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Australian leaders faced pressure to take decisive action against antisemitism and lax gun control measures. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to the outrage by pledging to implement stricter gun laws and promised to enhance protections for the Jewish community. He and state leaders acknowledged the rising trend of antisemitic attacks and committed to making necessary legislative changes to ensure safety and security for all citizens.
As the funerals took place, the Australian public exhibited solidarity in response to the tragedy. Blood donation sites reported long lines, and unity was displayed through a communal vigil at Bondi Beach, where swimmers gathered to honor the victims in silence before entering the water. Despite the ongoing investigation and the physical reminders of the attack strewn across the beach, the community emphasizes resilience against efforts to instill fear. Plans for the Hanukkah celebration, which had been targeted, are set to continue in defiance of the violence, serving as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Jewish community in Australia.
