Authorities have identified the victims of a mass shooting that unfolded Sunday at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during the annual “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, an attack that claimed 15 lives and left several others injured, transforming a joyful Hanukkah gathering into a scene of terror; those killed include Matilda Britvan, 10; Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41; Alex Kleytman, 87; Dan Elkayam, 27; Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39; Reuven Morrison, 62; Marika Pogany, 82; Tibor Weitzen, 78; Edith Brutman, 68; Boris Gurman, 69; Sofia Gurman, 61; and Peter Meagher, 61, while police have identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, 50, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, who remains in critical condition.
The shooting occurred as families and community members gathered along the beachfront to mark Hanukkah with prayers, music, and candle lighting. Witnesses said the celebration was filled with children playing and elders seated near the shore when gunfire erupted, sending people fleeing in panic. Emergency crews responded within minutes, establishing triage areas along the promenade and transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals as police secured the area.
Among the victims was Matilda Britvan, just 10 years old, whose death has become a symbol of the profound loss suffered by families and the wider community. Religious leaders Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan were also killed. Both men were widely known for their dedication to spiritual guidance, education, and community outreach, and tributes poured in describing them as compassionate leaders who brought people together.
The attack also claimed the lives of elders who represented generations of shared history and resilience, including Alex Kleytman, Marika Pogany, Tibor Weitzen, Edith Brutman, Boris Gurman, and Sofia Gurman. Loved ones said many had attended the event as an annual tradition, drawn by the sense of unity and peace the celebration usually embodies. Dan Elkayam, 27, was remembered by friends as vibrant and full of promise, while Reuven Morrison and Peter Meagher, both 61, were described as devoted family men and steady presences in their communities.
Police confirmed that Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram are the alleged perpetrators. Authorities said Sajid Akram was fatally shot at the scene during the police response, while Naveed Akram was apprehended and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Investigators are continuing to examine the motive behind the attack, including whether it was driven by extremist ideology, and are reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts as part of an ongoing terrorism investigation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation following the tragedy, labeling the shooting an act of terrorism and condemning it in unequivocal terms. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Jewish community, emphasizing that violence targeting a religious celebration strikes at the core of Australia’s values. Albanese also signaled plans to push for tougher gun laws and enhanced public safety measures, stating that the government would act to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
In the days since the shooting, vigils have been held across Sydney and throughout the country. Mourners gathered with candles and flowers, reciting prayers and sharing memories of those lost. Community leaders called for unity and resilience, urging Australians to stand together against hatred and violence while honoring the lives taken.
As the investigation continues, the nation remains in mourning. What was meant to celebrate light, faith, and perseverance has instead left an indelible scar. Yet amid the grief, families and communities have pledged to remember the victims by reaffirming the values of compassion, solidarity, and peace that the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration was intended to reflect.
