Children, Rabbis And Holocaust Survivor Among 15 Killed In Sydney Bondi Beach Attack

Last Updated:December 15, 2025, 10:02 IST

A Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach turned deadly after a targeted terror attack left 15 people dead, including children.

Two gunmen dressed in black firing multiple shots on a bridge at Bondi Beach in Sydney. (AFP)

Fifteen people, including children, religious leaders and a Holocaust survivor, were killed in a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday evening. Authorities confirmed that the victims ranged in age from just 10 to 87. Many were prominent and well-loved members of Australia’s Jewish community.

10-year-old Mailda killed

The youngest person killed was 10-year-old Mailda. A GoFundMe page set up by her language teacher described her as a bright and joyful child who brought happiness to those around her. She had gone to the beach with her family to celebrate Hanukkah, a festival of light, unaware of the danger that lay ahead.

Religious leaders Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan among the dead

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was among those killed. He served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and was a father of five. His family said he was joyful and full of life. Originally from the United Kingdom, he came from a long line of Jewish religious leaders and had recently welcomed a newborn son.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, another respected Jewish leader in Sydney, also lost his life. He held roles in several Jewish organisations and was known for his commitment to community service.

Ukraine-born Holocaust survivor killed

One of the most moving stories is that of Alexander Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor who escaped Europe during World War II. Born in Ukraine, he survived extreme hardship in Siberia before immigrating to Australia in search of safety and peace.

Decades later, Kleytman was killed while shielding his wife, Larissa, during the attack. She said he pushed himself over her to protect her as gunfire erupted. He was struck and died while lying on top of her. “I have no husband," she said after the tragedy.

Foreigners who became victims

Reuven Morrison, originally from the former Soviet Union, was also killed. He had become an active and respected member of Jewish communities in Sydney and Melbourne and is survived by his wife and daughter.

Dan Elkaymann, a French national, was among the victims as well. France’s Foreign Minister condemned the killing, calling it a shocking act of antisemitic violence.

The victims included devoted parents, children, survivors, and community leaders. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the attack was a deliberate assault on Sydney’s Jewish community. 

Terrorist motive confirmed

Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack motivated by antisemitism. Police also recovered a suspected improvised explosive device from one of the attackers’ vehicles. The attack has shocked Australia and the global Jewish community, leaving families grieving and calling for justice.

The violence began when a father and son, Naveed Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son, arrived at the crowded beach with shotguns, a rifle, and explosives. Screams mingled with gunfire as they opened fire on the celebrants. The shooting continued for around ten minutes until local fruit seller Ahmed al-Ahmed, 43, tackled the younger gunman, wrestled the weapon away, and prevented further bloodshed. The father was killed by police, while the son remains hospitalised in custody.

Chabad and other Jewish organisations expressed profound sorrow for the loss of lives. Residents and bystanders have praised the bravery of Ahmed al-Ahmed for intervening and preventing further deaths. Authorities continue to investigate, while the community mourns the victims and supports the injured.

News world Children, Rabbis And Holocaust Survivor Among 15 Killed In Sydney Bondi Beach Attack

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