Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Who Honoured 26/11 Mumbai Victims, Killed in Bondi Beach Terror Attack

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who had recently helped organise a memorial for the Chabad emissaries killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was among the 15 people killed in a deadly antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney.

The 41-year-old assistant rabbi at Chabad Bondi was attending and helping conduct the Hanukkah by the Sea gathering on Sunday evening when gunmen opened fire on the crowd.

The attack has sent shockwaves through Jewish communities in Australia and beyond, particularly given Schlanger's long-standing service to interfaith outreach and humanitarian work.

Tragedy Announced by Family and Community

The death of Rabbi Schlanger was confirmed by his cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, who shared the devastating news on social media.

"My dear cousin, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was murdered in today's terrorist attack in Sydney. He leaves behind his wife, young children, and family. He was truly an incredible person."

Schlanger had recently welcomed his fifth child, adding to the grief faced by his family. His brother-in-law, Rabbi Mendel Kastel, described the family as shattered by the loss.

"They have fallen apart," Kastel told Reuters.

Kastel added that Schlanger's wife had lost not only her husband but also the husband of her closest friend in the same attack.

"They were best friends through school and both lost their husbands here. The rabbi has a baby only a few months old. It's very, very difficult, it's too early to tell how they will be feeling, how it will land, they are in shock."

A Life Dedicated to Service and Compassion

Born in Britain, Rabbi Schlanger had lived in Sydney for the past 18 years and served as assistant rabbi at Chabad Bondi. Chabad is a global Jewish organisation focused on strengthening Jewish identity and community ties.

Friends and colleagues remembered Schlanger as a deeply compassionate figure who worked tirelessly for people across all sections of society. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, spoke emotionally about his character.

"Nothing was too big for him," Ryvchin said.

"He would drive out to regional parts of the state and sit with prisoners in our jails and listen to their stories. He would go to Waterloo and Redfern and to the public housing and sit with the elderly, he would listen to their stories and feed them and make sure they had meals and kosher products. He was the sort of person who illuminated our lives with kindness, his grace and generosity."

How the Bondi Beach Attack Unfolded

The shooting occurred during the Hanukkah by the Sea celebration, marking the first day of the Jewish festival. Hundreds of people had gathered along Campbell Parade near Bondi Beach when two gunmen began firing at the crowd.

Fifteen civilians were killed, while more than 40 people were hospitalised. Among the injured were two police officers and four children. One child later died from her injuries. Police said the victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years.

Investigators revealed that the attack was allegedly carried out by a father and son. The 50-year-old suspect was shot dead by police, while the second suspect remains in critical condition.

Albanese Condemns Attack, Signals Tougher Gun Laws

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the shooting as a targeted terrorist attack against Jewish Australians and said its timing and location made it especially horrifying.

"This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy. An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian."

Albanese also said Bondi Beach, known as a place of celebration and community life, should never have witnessed such violence. In response, he announced plans to push for stronger gun control laws nationwide.

"The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws," Albanese told reporters.

"People's circumstances can change. People can be radicalised over a period of time. Licenses should not be in perpetuity," he added.

Authorities later confirmed that the older suspect had legally owned six firearms under a licence held for more than a decade, prompting renewed debate over firearm regulations in Australia.