Bondi Beach terror: the victims and their stories

The victims of the horrific shooting at Bondi Beach yesterday, aged 10 to 87, were primarily Jewish community members but also included tourists and other locals.

As the nation and community grieve, personal details about the deceased have surfaced through official releases, family comments, and community tributes. Not every victim has been named publicly as notifications to relatives continue, but here are accounts of those identified, drawn from various sources.

Matilda Bee Britan

Matilda, the youngest to perish, was described as a lively and cheerful pupil at the Harmony Russian School in Sydney. Her educators recalled her as an energetic learner who brightened the days of everyone around her. She was the niece of Lina, who expressed her sorrow online, stating, “A terrible tragedy has struck my family. I am not sure how we can endure this pain.”

The school released a message cherishing her legacy, affirming that she would forever hold a place in their memories. Matilda was taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital following the gunfire but did not survive her wounds.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41 Years Old

Rabbi Eli Schlanger served as an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and played a central role in organising the Chanukah celebration. Originally from London, he was a committed father to five children. His wife, Chayala, and relatives are grieving the passing of a man known for his vitality, enthusiasm, and zest for life.

His cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, honoured him as an extraordinary individual who thrived on aiding others. Community leader Alex Ryvchin spoke of his kindness and caring nature. Rabbi Yossi Friedman described him as upbeat and dedicated to spreading happiness.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, another Chabad rabbi killed in the attack, is being remembered alongside Rabbi Schlanger for his essential work supporting the community and fostering Jewish traditions at the celebration.

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, he served as secretary of the Sydney Beth Din and a staff member at Sydney’s BINA Centre. Rabbi Levitan was known among community leaders as a devoted professional who worked quietly behind the scenes, providing the steady commitment that kept Sydney’s Jewish institutions running.

 

Alexander (Alex) Kleytman, Holocaust Survivor

Alexander Kleytman, who survived the Holocaust and relocated from Ukraine, lost his life while shielding his wife, Larisa, another survivor. In a 2023 interview with JewishCare, he shared his traumatic ordeals. Larisa recounted the chaos: “We were there when the bangs started, and people dropped. He moved behind me and then stepped closer to protect me with his.” His final heroic gesture reflected his enduring strength. The Kleytmans are parents to two children and grandparents to 11 grandchildren.

Dan Elkayam, French Footballer

Dan Elkayam was a 27-year-old French Jewish engineer from Le Bourget who had recently moved to Australia and became active in Sydney’s Jewish community. He was known for his love of nature and football and participated in the 2022 Maccabiah Games for France.

His team mourned him as a cherished and esteemed part of the football scene. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot conveyed the nation’s sorrow, terming the event a horrific display of antisemitic malice. President Emmanuel Macron offered condolences to his family.

Reuven (Rueben) Morrison, Businessman

Reuven Morrison was a prosperous entrepreneur who moved from the former Soviet Union to Australia during the 1970s. He divided his residence between Sydney and Melbourne and, in a 2024 ABC conversation, discussed enduring discrimination as a Jew in the Soviet era, contrasting it with Australia’s security.

He regarded Australia as the most secure place for Jews to nurture families free from antisemitic fears. His passing highlights the tragic irony of the event.

Peter Meagher, Retired Policeman and Photographer

Peter Meagher, nicknamed Marzo, was a freelance photographer covering the Chanukah celebrations. He volunteered extensively at Randwick Rugby Club and had almost 40 years in the NSW Police Force, retiring as a detective sergeant.

The club portrayed him as the essence of their organisation and a true icon, lamenting his death as a heartbreaking instance of unfortunate timing.

Tibor Weitzen

Tibor Weitzen, another member of the Chabad of Bondi community, was a 78-year-old great-grandfather who was widely known for his generosity and good nature. At shul, he was a familiar and much-loved figure, especially among children, whom he greeted with a smile and a lollipop.

Unidentified Israeli Citizen

One victim was an Israeli citizen whose identity remains undisclosed, with another Israeli wounded. Israel’s foreign ministry verified the fatality and is liaising with the family. The assault’s focus on the Jewish community has sparked worldwide condemnation. Additional victims are yet to be named as authorities and families cope with the aftermath. The overall fatalities encompass these people and others not yet revealed publicly.

This is a developing story.