Tragic Farewell: Thousands Attend Funeral for Rabbi Killed in Bondi Shooting

Wed Dec 17 2025 17:41:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The funeral of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting, drew thousands as the community mourns the unspeakable loss amidst growing concerns over antisemitism.

In the aftermath of the tragic Bondi Beach shooting that left 15 dead, thousands gathered to mourn Rabbi Eli Schlanger, known as the 'Bondi Rabbi'. His death has been described as an 'unspeakable loss' by community leaders as the Australian Jewish community grapples with the implications of the attack, attributed to inspired Islamist violence. Amid calls for unity and remembrance, community leaders urged the Jewish populace to stand firm in the face of adversity.

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 stated that the attackers appeared to have been inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group.

Rabbi Schlanger, known as the 'Bondi Rabbi', had helped organize the event and was originally from the UK. His wife gave birth to their fifth child just two months ago.

Rabbi Levi Wolff, who opened the service, referred to his death as an 'unspeakable loss' for the community, the Chabad of Bondi, and 'the entire Jewish nation.'

More than just a leader, Rabbi Schlanger was cherished within the community. His father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, expressed profound grief, stating, 'Eli was ripped away from us, doing what he loved best: spreading love and joy'.

In a poignant moment, Rabbi Ulman expressed regret over not telling Eli how much he was appreciated more often, reinforcing the need for community solidarity in light of such tragic events.

In addition to Rabbi Schlanger's service, other funerals, including that of a young 10-year-old victim named Matilda, are anticipated in the coming days as the community grieves.

Prominent attendees of the funeral included political leaders and community figures, reflecting the wide-reaching impact of the tragedy. The backlash against the government's response to antisemitism has also intensified, with community leaders calling for more effective measures to combat hate.

In a twist, one of the two shooters has been charged with multiple offenses, reviving discussions around security and the need for vigilante community protection as the country grapples with the fallout of its deadliest shooting in decades.