Local Jewish Rabbi Identified As First Victim Of Terror Attack At Sydney's Bondi Beach

Last Updated:December 14, 2025, 20:20 IST

Rabbi Eli Schlanger was a key organiser of the Hanukkah event in Sydney, where two gunmen opened fire on Saturday - killing 11 people.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger was among the victims of the deadly terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach. (Photo: X)

The first victim of a deadly terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday was identified as local Rabbi Eli Schlanger. He was one of 11 people killed when two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at the beach.

Schlanger, a husband and father, was an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. According to his LinkedIn, he had held the position for more than 18 years. He was also a chaplain for the local community.

According to Chabad website, Schlanger was a key organiser of the Sydney event. “I send condolences to the families of the murdered, including the family of Chabad emissary Rabbi Eli Schlanger, of blessed memory, and I pray for the recovery of the injured," Shas party leader Aryeh Deri told The Times of Israel.

“He was just doing his job. Showing up. Being the constant, reliable presence for his community.​ And that’s where the gut punch lands: He was killed while doing the most basic, kindest, most normal part of our lives. It wasn’t a battlefield. It was a Chanukah party," said his friend Eliezer Tewel.

Sydney Terror Attack

At least 11 people were shot dead by two gunmen dressed in black, who opened fire at the Bondi Beach on Sunday during a celebration of the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. One of the shooters was killed, while the other was arrested in critical condition.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was “an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation" and had targeted Jewish Australians on a day of joy and during a celebration of faith. At least 29 people were injured and rushed to the hospital.

One of the men alleged to have been involved in a terrorist attack targeting Sydney’s Jewish community has been identified as Naveed Akram, 24, a bricklayer in Sydney who recently lost his job, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

World leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the terror attack against the Jewish community in Sydney and condoled the loss of lives, as Jewish politicians called for greater action to protect their community.

News world Local Jewish Rabbi Identified As First Victim Of Terror Attack At Sydney's Bondi Beach

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