From Mumbai memorial to Bondi tragedy: Rabbi honouring 26/11 Mumbai victims killed in Sydney terror attack

Australian Jewish organisations confirmed that 41-year-old Rabbi Eli Schlanger had also played a key role in arranging a public gathering to mark the beginning of Hanukkah.

The attack has sent shockwaves through Jewish communities in Australia and abroad, coming on a day meant to symbolise faith, resilience and celebration.

Family confirms death, community mourns

Rabbi Schlanger’s cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, confirmed his death in a social media post, describing him as an extraordinary individual devoted to his family and community.

Schlanger is survived by his wife and five young children, the youngest born only months ago.

Born in the United Kingdom, Schlanger had lived in Sydney for nearly two decades and served as assistant rabbi at Chabad Bondi, the organisation behind the Hanukkah event targeted in the attack.

Chabad is a global Jewish movement focused on strengthening Jewish identity and communal bonds.

Remembered for compassion and service

Tributes poured in, highlighting Schlanger’s commitment to outreach and social service.

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, recalled a man driven by empathy and generosity.

Friends said Schlanger regularly travelled to remote parts of New South Wales to counsel prisoners, visited public housing neighbourhoods to support elderly residents, and ensured vulnerable families had access to food and kosher supplies.

Many described him as someone who quietly uplifted lives through acts of kindness.

Family devastated by loss

Schlanger’s brother-in-law, Rabbi Mendel Kastel, said the family was struggling to process the tragedy.

He revealed that Schlanger’s wife had lost not only her husband but also the spouse of her closest friend in the same attack, compounding the grief for the families involved.

Those close to the family said the scale of the loss had left them in shock, with the emotional impact still unfolding.

Attack during Hanukkah gathering

The violence erupted during the “Hanukkah by the Sea” event on Campbell Parade, held to mark the first day of the Jewish festival.

Hundreds had assembled near Bondi Beach when two gunmen opened fire on the crowd.

Fifteen civilians were killed, while more than forty people were taken to the hospital.

Among the injured were two police officers and four children; one child later succumbed to injuries.

Authorities said the victims ranged in age from 10 to 87.

Police identified the attackers as a father and son. The older suspect, aged 50, was shot dead by police, while the younger remains in critical condition.

Australian PM condemns 'targeted terrorism'

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as a deliberate terrorist attack against Jewish Australians.

He said an assault on the Jewish community was an attack on the nation as a whole, stressing that the timing—on the first day of Hanukkah—made the violence particularly distressing.

Albanese also announced plans to push for tougher national gun laws, citing concerns over licensed firearms falling into the wrong hands.

Authorities revealed that the older attacker had legally owned multiple guns for years.

Warning that radicalisation can occur over time, Albanese said firearm licences should not be permanent and promised decisive action to prevent similar tragedies.