Community Mourns Rabbi Schlanger: Funeral Held for Bondi Shooting Victim

Wed Dec 17 2025 22:16:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Thousands gather in Sydney to pay respects to Rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of the victims of the tragic Bondi Beach shooting during a Hanukkah celebration.

The funeral for Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a beloved community figure, took place in Sydney following the devastating shooting incident at a Hanukkah festival. Rabbi Schlanger, known for his dedication and service, was among the 15 victims of the attack attributed to Islamic State-inspired gunmen. His passing is described as an irreplaceable loss for the Jewish community, which is also dealing with the aftermath of the violent event.

The first of the funerals for victims of the Bondi Beach shooting has taken place in Sydney, with thousands gathering to mourn Rabbi Eli Schlanger.

He was among 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire on a festival marking the first day of Hanukkah. Australia's prime minister stated that the attackers appeared to have been inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group.

Rabbi Schlanger, affectionately known as the 'Bondi Rabbi,' had a significant role in organizing the festive event and was originally from the UK. His wife welcomed their fifth child just two months ago.

Openly grieving, Rabbi Levi Wolff described Schlanger's death as an unspeakable loss for the community, emphasizing his selfless service and devotion to spreading love and joy.

Rabbi Wolff said, Eli was ripped away from us, doing what he loved best, highlighting how he towered above as one of the highest souls within the community.

Rabbi Schlanger's father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, reflected on his deep admiration for Schlanger, stating he was a beloved individual who was not only a familial figure but also a confidant and trusted friend.

My biggest regret was... to tell Eli more often how much we love him, how much I love him, and how much we appreciate everything he did for us, Rabbi Ulman said amidst the congregation.

In a call for resilience, he urged the Jewish community to stand strong in the aftermath of the tragedy and announced plans to proceed with lighting the last Hanukkah candle on Bondi Beach that Sunday night, honoring a 31-year-old tradition.

Funeral services for other victims, including 10-year-old Matilda, are scheduled for later in the week, while victims' families continue to express immense gratitude toward first responders who provided assistance during the chaos.

Among the attendees of Rabbi Schlanger's memorial were notable figures such as New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon, reflecting the community's solidarity in the face of such violence.

The Bondi Beach shooting represents the deadliest incident of its kind in Australia since 1996, with one condemned suspect, Naveed Akram, charged with multiple offenses including murder.