Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a father of five from Britain, was tragically among the 11 victims of the recent terror attack in Australia. His family described him as someone who sought to spread joy and positivity at Bondi Beach. The 41-year-old Rabbi was fatally shot during a Chanukah celebration where two gunmen opened fire on the crowd.
Rabbi Schlanger’s cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, shared that their family had roots in Temple Fortune and were affiliated with the Kinloss synagogue in Finchley. Remembering his cousin, Rabbi Lewis described Rabbi Schlanger as lively, optimistic, and dedicated to helping others engage in mitzvot. Rabbi Schlanger and his wife had welcomed a baby boy just two months prior to the tragic incident.
The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah gathering, took place on Bondi Beach, where over 1,000 individuals were present. The gunmen approached the beach from a nearby bridge, causing chaos and prompting a swift response from the New South Wales police. The violence resulted in the death of Rabbi Schlanger and at least 10 others, with one assailant killed and the other apprehended.
During a press conference, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event, emphasizing that the attack specifically targeted the Jewish community on a night meant for celebration and peace. The police confirmed the incident as a terrorist attack, with investigations ongoing to determine if a third perpetrator was involved.
The police commissioner, Mal Lanyan, provided details of the incident, stating that the shooting took place at Archer Park in Bondi during the evening. Tragically, the attack claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals, with 29 more injured and receiving medical attention at various hospitals in Sydney. The severity of the injuries varied, with two police officers among those wounded.
The community was left shocked and saddened by the violent disruption of what should have been a joyous occasion, prompting an outpouring of support for the victims and their families. The declaration of the incident as a terrorist act underscored the gravity of the situation and the need for thorough investigation and vigilance in the aftermath of the tragedy.