The community of Bondi Beach in Sydney has been shaken to its core by a tragic incident that led to the untimely death of Rabbi Eli Schlanger. The funeral held for him marks the beginning of sorrowful farewells to the victims of a horrifying shooting that took place during a festival celebrating the first day of Hanukkah. Thousands gathered in solidarity to honor Rabbi Schlanger, fondly known as the “Bondi Rabbi,” as he was deeply involved in organizing the festival, which turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy when two gunmen opened fire, killing 15 individuals in total. This disturbing event has prompted statements from Australian officials, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who linked the attackers’ motives to influences from the Islamic State (IS) group.
Rabbi Schlanger’s recent life was filled with joy as his wife had given birth to their fifth child just two months prior to the attack. The memorial service was graced by Rabbi Levi Wolff, who described Rabbi Schlanger’s death as an “unspeakable loss” for everyone connected to the Chabad of Bondi and the broader Jewish community. The sentiments expressed underscored not just a personal loss, but a blow to the unity and spirit of a community that was celebrating together before disaster struck.
Further revealing the profound impact that Rabbi Schlanger had on those around him, his father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, spoke of their close relationship, describing Rabbi Schlanger as a beloved son, confidant, and friend. His emotional tribute highlighted a sense of grief mixed with regret, as he shared how he wished he had expressed his love and appreciation more openly to Rabbi Schlanger while he was still alive.
In the wake of this devastating event, Rabbi Ulman called on the Jewish community to maintain their courage and honor traditions instead of retreating in fear. In a demonstration of resilience, the community planned to continue with a 31-year-old tradition of lighting the final Hanukkah candle on Bondi Beach, an act of unity and remembrance in the face of recent adversity.
Amid the mourning for Rabbi Schlanger, the funerals of other victims, including 10-year-old Matilda, who lost her life in the same shooting, are expected to unfold in the coming days. The loss has deepened for families residing in the vicinity, as Matilda’s father emotionally recounted the heroics of those who rushed to assist his family amid the chaos, especially a woman who cradled his younger daughter, Summer, for the duration of the shooting.
In attendance at Rabbi Schlanger’s funeral were notable dignitaries, including New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, opposition leader Sussan Ley, and former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. However, Prime Minister Albanese’s absence did not go unnoticed, leading to criticism regarding his government’s stance on antisemitism. In response to these concerns, he defended his actions aimed at combating antisemitism, which included the establishment of an envoy dedicated to this cause, amendments to hate speech laws, and financial backing for initiatives and institutions supporting Jewish communities.
As the investigation into the shooting progresses, authorities are considering filing charges against one of the alleged attackers, Naveed Akram, who had been critically injured by police fire during the incident. His father, Sajid Akram, who was also involved in the incident, did not survive. The tragic pairing of their actions and subsequent consequences has raised alarming questions regarding their possible connections to extremist groups launched from their travels abroad, and oscillated the fears of ongoing violence against Jewish people in Australia.
This heartbreakingly tragic occurrence serves as a significant reminder of the complex interplay between community, faith, and the rising tide of hate, leaving a palpable void in the hearts of many as they navigate their grief and search for a sense of safety in an unpredictable world.
