Bondi Beach shooting: Rabbi who honoured 26/11 Mumbai victims among those killed

A rabbi who had recently led a memorial to honour victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks was among those killed in a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14. The attack, described by authorities as a terror incident, claimed the lives of at least 15 people, including 12 members of the Jewish community.

One of the victims was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who had organised a remembrance event just a week earlier to pay tribute to those killed in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, including Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg. Schlanger was also the organiser of the “Hanukkah by the Sea” gathering at Bondi Beach, which was being held to mark the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah when the shooting occurred.

Details of Schlanger’s death and his recent efforts to commemorate the Mumbai terror victims came to light after a message addressed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was shared on the social media platform X by Avraham Berkowitz. The post highlighted that Rabbi Schlanger, who led the Hanukkah celebrations in Sydney, was killed along with members of his community, and recalled his role in organising a memorial for the 26/11 victims only days earlier. The message also called for solidarity events, including menorah lightings in India.

Prime Minister Modi condemned the attack in a strong statement, expressing grief over the loss of lives and extending condolences to the families of the victims. “I strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah,” he said. “On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief.”

Reiterating India’s stance against extremism, the Prime Minister added that the country has zero tolerance for terrorism and supports global efforts to combat all forms of terror. The Bondi Beach attack has drawn widespread international condemnation and renewed calls for unity against violence targeting civilians and religious communities.