In brief
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, affectionately known as the 'Bondi Rabbi,' was honored in a funeral attended by thousands following his tragic death in a mass shooting at a Hanukkah festival in Bondi Beach, Sydney. Community leaders and mourners gathered to express their grief and celebrate the Rabbi's life, noting his dedication to spreading love and joy. The attack, linked to radical ideologies, left 15 dead and raised concerns over antisemitism in Australia.
The first of the funerals for victims of the Bondi Beach shooting has taken place in Sydney, with thousands gathering to mourn Rabbi Eli Schlanger.
He was among 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire on a festival marking the first day of Hanukkah. Australia's prime minister said that the attackers appear to have been inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group.
Rabbi Schlanger, who was known as the 'Bondi Rabbi' and had helped organise Sunday's event, was born in the UK. His wife gave birth to their fifth child just two months ago.
Rabbi Levi Wolff, who opened the service, described his death as an 'unspeakable loss' for the community, the Chabad of Bondi, and 'the entire Jewish nation'.
'Eli was ripped away from us, doing what he loved best,' he said. 'Spreading love and joy and caring for his people with endless self-sacrifice in his life and in his death, he towered above as one of the highest and holiest souls.'
He was mourned by his father-in-law as a person beloved by the community. Rabbi Yehoram Ulman told the congregation that Rabbi Schlanger was 'my son, my friend, my confidant.'
'I hope he knew that but I think it should have been said more often,' Rabbi Ulman expressed, urging Jewish people not to hide in the aftermath of the attack.
On the final night of Hanukkah, they plan to continue a 31-year-old tradition by lighting the last candle on Bondi Beach.
Political figures, including New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and former prime minister Scott Morrison, attended Schlanger's funeral as expressions of solidarity with the grieving community poured in.
The attack sparked debates around antisemitism in Australia, prompting responses from leaders ensuring measures against hate speech and promoting social cohesion.
The perpetrator, Naveed Akram, faces multiple charges including 15 counts of murder, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the deadliest shooting since 1996.
