Nine Victims Identified as Death Toll in Bondi Beach Chanukah Attack Reaches 16

Nine of the victims killed in the terror shooting at a Chanukah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach have now been publicly identified, as authorities confirmed a total of 16 deaths from Sunday’s attack. The toll includes 15 victims and one of the attackers, who was shot and killed by police at the scene.

The shooting took place during a public Chanukah event attended by hundreds, turning a holiday celebration into one of the deadliest antisemitic attacks targeting Jews outside Israel in decades. Dozens were wounded, and communities across Australia and the Jewish world are mourning the loss.

Australian police said the attackers were a father and son, Sajid Akram, about 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. Both used legally owned firearms and were known to authorities. The father was killed during the police response, while the son was arrested at the scene after being critically wounded and remains hospitalized under guard. 

As of Monday afternoon, Australian outlets reported that 27 people remained hospitalized, including six in critical condition and six listed as critical but stable. More than 40 people were injured overall. New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park said a 12-year-old child was among those killed. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that at least one Israeli citizen was also killed, though the victim’s identity has not yet been released.

Among the victims identified is Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Born in London, Schlanger studied in France and New York before settling in Australia after marrying. He is survived by his wife and five children, including a son born just two months ago. Schlanger had spoken openly about confronting antisemitism, encouraging Jewish pride and visibility. “Be more Jewish, act more Jewish and appear more Jewish,” he said earlier this year. Describing his outreach work, he added, “My car — emblazoned with mitzvah symbols — is a living example of pride and resilience.”

Another Chabad emissary killed was Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitan, who served as secretary of the Sydney Beth Din and worked at the BINA Center, a Jewish educational institution. He was also the founder of tapNgive, a company that provided donation kiosk solutions for charities, and was known as a quiet but essential figure in Sydney’s Jewish communal life.

Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor originally from Ukraine, was attending the celebration with his wife of 57 years, Larisa, also a survivor. According to accounts from his family, he was killed while shielding her with his body as gunfire erupted.

Also among the dead was Dan Elkayam, 27, a French national who had moved to Sydney last year for work. France’s foreign minister confirmed his death, expressing “immense sadness” and solidarity with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people. Elkayam worked as an IT analyst and was an avid traveler and soccer player, described by his club as a popular and talented teammate.

Reuven Morrison, 62, an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, was another victim. He discovered his Jewish identity in Sydney and remained deeply connected to the community even after his family relocated to Melbourne. A successful businessman, Morrison was known for his philanthropy and support for Jewish causes, including Chabad of Bondi.

The youngest publicly named victim was Matilda, 10, a student at the Harmony Russian School in Sydney. In a statement, the school said, “Her memory will remain in our hearts, and we honor her life and the time she spent as part of our school family.” The school added that it would remember her “with love, grief, and deep sorrow,” and honor her memory by standing together in compassion.

Tibor Weitzen, reported to be 78, was a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and a beloved member of the local Jewish community. According to reports, he was killed while trying to protect a family friend from the gunfire. He was remembered as a gentle presence in synagogue, especially among children.

Peter Meagher, was a retired police officer and longtime volunteer with Randwick Rugby Club. He was killed while working as a freelance photographer at the event. The club described him as “a much loved figure and absolute legend,” noting the tragic irony that he was killed after a career spent protecting others.

Also murdered was Marika Pogany, a charity worker in her 80s who delivered more than 12,000 kosher meals over 23 years. She was remembered for her quiet dedication and lifelong service to others.

As investigations continue and additional victims have yet to be publicly named, Jewish communities across Australia and beyond are focused on mourning and remembrance, honoring the lives lost at a celebration meant to bring light in the midst of darkness.