The Fellowship Remembers the 15 Victims of Bondi Beach Terror Attack

IFCJ Canada  |  December 24, 2025

Bondi Beach near Sydney isn’t just sand by the sea. It’s an epicenter of joy with a playground and attractions—more than 1,000 Australian Jews came to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with their neighbours and community. It was meant to be an evening of light commemorating God’s miracle of light but instead turned to one of anti-Semitic terror that left 15 people murdered simply for their faith. With their names and stories now known, IFCJ Canada remembers each life lost:

Rabbi Eli Schlanger

The Hanukkah by the Sea event was organized by Chabad. Rabbi Eli Schlanger of the local Chabad chapter in Bondi was one of the people at the forefront of efforts to connect the Jewish community in Australia. Chabad has always strived to make sure that Jews around the world can practice their faith without fear. Rabbi Schlanger is remembered for all the good work he’s done through community events and outreach. He was raising five children with his wife in Sydney; their youngest was just born this October.

Dan Elkayam

Dan moved to Australia last year from Paris to further his studies in IT, working for NBC Universal in Sydney. His French high school was operated by the Fellowship-supported World ORT organization. His death was announced by France’s foreign minister in Australia.

Adam Smyth

Walking along the beach with his wife when the attack occurred, Adam was not even attending the Hanukkah event the two terrorists were targeting. The father of four is remembered by his family as a lover of travel and sports.

Boris Tetleroyd

Boris was attending the Hanukkah by the Sea event with his son, Yakov, when they were both attacked by the terrorists—Boris was killed, and Yakov was wounded. At the age of 68, Boris was still the main provider for his family. Boris is remembered for his long-standing work in transportation and as a gifted musician.

Alex Kleytman

One of the first reported murders of the terror attack, and the oldest victim at 87, Alex died protecting his wife when the attack began. They had met in the former Soviet Union after surviving the Holocaust as children. He had become a practicing Jew when he was 50 and moved to Australia in the early 90s. He’s remembered for his love for Australia, having moved there for the promises of freedom and opportunity.

Boris and Sofia Gurman

Boris was a retired mechanic, while Sofia worked at the local newspaper in Sydney. The couple moved to Australia from the former Soviet Union a little more than 30 years ago. They were among the first victims identified based on dashcam footage that showed them attempting to disarm one of the terrorists. They are remembered by their family for their heroism and profound love for each other and their community.

Peter Meagher

A former police officer, Peter was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah by the Sea event. His death was confirmed by the rugby club he belonged to and which remembers him fondly. Peter is also remembered for all the good work he did as a police officer for 40 years, often putting himself in harm’s way to serve his community.

Reuven Morrison

Reuven moved to Australia from the former Soviet Union when he was a teenager nearly 50 years ago. In a national interview with ABC, he said that Australia was the safest country in the world when it came to being Jewish and how he wanted to raise children there. Reuven lived in Melbourne and was close with Chabad, having truly discovered his Jewish identity once he was able to practice it freely in Sydney.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan

Another rabbi who worked with Chabad and a major figure in Sydney’s Jewish community was Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, a popular activity coordinator in the area. Rabbi Levitan also served as secretary of the Sydney Beth Din rabbinical court at the BINA Center for Jewish learning.

Tibor Weitzen

A senior member of the Bondi Chabad Synagogue, 78-year-old Tibor was at the event with his wife and grandchildren. He was killed trying to protect a friend of the family. Tibor had lived in Israel but moved to Australia 37 years ago. His grandchildren called him the best grandfather anyone could ask for.

Marika Pogany

Even in retirement, 82-year-old Marika still volunteered her time in any way she could. She’s remembered by all her friends she connected with through the local bridge club in Sydney. Bondi Beach was a community she specially made time for.

Edith Brutman

Edith was another active voice in Australia’s Jewish community, having been vice-president of the New Whales branch of B’nai B’rith. B’nai B’rith remembers her as a gracious and devoted member who was passionate about fighting against anti-Semitic discrimination and prejudice.

Tania Tretiak

Randwick resident Tania was attending the event with family and was the final victim to be identified in the attack. Her husband remains in critical condition after being wounded in the shooting. Tania is remembered by her family as a beloved mother and grandmother.

Matilda

The youngest victim, murdered by the terrorists at just 10 years old, Matilda was the daughter of Jewish immigrants from Ukraine, born shortly after they moved to Australia. The Harmony Russian School of Sydney, her family, her friends, and the Jewish community as a whole remember the brightness and joy Matilda brought each day.