In Memory of the Murdered, Chabad House Opens at Sydney Attack Site

On the final day of shiva for those murdered in the antisemitic terror attack in Sydney, a new Chabad House was opened directly at the site of the massacre at Bondi Beach. Two temporary structures were placed at the scene and will now operate on an ongoing basis under the name “Ohel Eli VeYaakov,” with plans for a permanent building in the future.

The Chabad House was named in memory of Rabbis Eli Schlanger and Yaakov Levitan, Chabad Shlichim in Sydney who were murdered in the attack. Community leaders described the decision as a deliberate transformation of the site from a place of terror and loss into a center of Jewish life, prayer, and continuity.

In the days following the attack, tens of thousands of Jews from across Australia came to Bondi Beach to pay their respects. Many put on tefillin, prayed, and gathered around the improvised Chabad presence that was established at the scene. Organizers said the turnout made clear that the response would not remain temporary, leading to the decision to create a permanent Chabad presence at the location.

“The site will serve as a focal point for tens of thousands who visit the area, exactly as Rabbis Eli and Yaakov would have wanted,” said Rabbi Noach, a local Chabad Shliach and one of the initiators of the project.

The terror attack took place during a public lighting of the first Chanukah candle at Bondi Beach, an event organized by the local Chabad community. During the shooting, 15 people were murdered and more than 40 others were wounded. The attack sent shockwaves through Australia’s Jewish community and beyond, marking one of the deadliest antisemitic attacks in the country’s history.

Earlier this week, the site again became a focal point of Jewish unity with the lighting of the eighth Chanukah candle at the scene. The ceremony was attended by family members of those murdered, emergency responders, and ZAKA volunteers who assisted in the aftermath of the attack. Prayers were recited, including Shema Yisrael, and participants spoke of resilience and continuity in the face of loss.

The two structures placed at the site will serve as the Chabad House for the time being. Community leaders said plans are already underway to replace them with a permanent building that will operate year-round, offering prayer services, mitzvah opportunities, and a visible Jewish presence at the site.