A deeply troubling scene played out at Bondi Beach, NSW recently. On Sunday, a coordinated shooting attack took 16 lives, including one of the suspected assailants. The tragedy occurred at a community barbecue — a fact that has stunned local residents as well as visitors to the island. Authorities said that 42 more were injured. Of those, five are in critical condition and many others serious but stable.
Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, has substantiated the heartbreaking deaths. Most importantly, he sent his sincere prayers to the families who were affected by this senseless act of violence. A 10-year-old girl and an 87-year-old man were among the deceased. This wide range displays the indiscriminate nature of this attack. Among the victims, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was named the first of the Jewish casualties.
Victims and Their Stories
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who had been an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, was father of five. He had intimate connections with the Jewish community, having grown up in Temple Fortune, north London. His family members are congregation members of the Kinloss synagogue in Finchley.
Her community and the nation are clearly grieving a lot right now. Outside St Vincent’s Hospital, Larisa Kleytman mourned her son, Alexander Kleytman, who was killed in the assault. The community is still reeling from the loss of such young lives, and their absence has cast a long shadow across the community.
Dan Elkayam, a Kiwi-born member of southern Sydney-based Arncliffe Aurora Football Club, was one of those killed. This senseless act of violence has devastated families and friends of the victims and survivors.
“I was praying, please don’t let it be him. I don’t know what we’ll do as a community without him,” – Alex Ryvchin
The community’s sense of safety has been deeply shaken. Reuven Morrison articulated his disbelief. He thought Australia was one of the safest places in the world that a Jewish family could be.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
The attack happened in full view during a climate strike at Bondi Beach, with hundreds of students participating. Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of confusion and panic as the gunfire preceded normal festival activities. Arsen Ostrovsky, CEO of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council Sydney office, pictured here in happier times, was one of those hurt. He recounted his experience vividly.
“Bullet grazed head. Lot of bleeding. Doctors said miracle survived, was that close. Have been stitched up now. Worst thing was being apart from my wife + kids at that instance. I got hit when I went towards them. Thankfully they got out Ok. It was absolute bloodbath, children and elderly everywhere. Felt like scene from Nova. But also incredible seeing how everyone rushed to help. Surreal.” – Arsen Ostrovsky
Evan Zlatkis, director of media for the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, was injured during the attack. He recounted his surprise when he first understood that he’d been struck.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” – Evan Zlatkis
Ostrovsky’s and Zlatkis’ injuries notwithstanding, both wanted to underscore the courage shown by those who ran to help the injured.
Community Response and Calls for Action
The shockwaves from the tragedy continue to ripple through the community. Our leaders and activists are calling urgently for action to combat the rise of antisemitism.
“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” questioned Rabbi Zalman Lewis.
Alex Ryvchin spoke about Rabbi Schlanger’s beautiful character, deep faith, and quiet and inspiring contributions to his community.
“a person who personified goodness and godliness and holiness, a person who lived literally for no reason other than to do good deeds” – Alex Ryvchin
French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot promised that France would stop at nothing to eliminate antisemitism in every one of its forms. His statement was a reflection of the increasing international alarm at what was becoming a pandemic rise in antisemitism.
“France will spare no effort to eradicate antisemitism wherever it is emerges, and to combat antisemitism in all its forms. The light of Hanukah must not be extinguished and they will not be.” – Jean-Noël Barrot
In the aftermath of this tragedy, community members are coming together not only to mourn their losses but to advocate for a united front against hatred and violence.