The first funeral for the victims of the tragic Bondi Beach shooting was held in Sydney on Wednesday, as the city and wider Jewish community gathered to mourn the loss of Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Known affectionately as the “Bondi Rabbi,” Schlanger was among 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah festival, leaving a community in shock and grief.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger: A Life Dedicated to Community

Rabbi Schlanger, originally from the United Kingdom, was widely respected for his selfless devotion to the Jewish community in Bondi. He had helped organize the Hanukkah festival on the day of the attack and was known for spreading love, joy, and care for his congregation. Tragically, his wife gave birth to their fifth child only two months prior to his death.

At the funeral service, Rabbi Levi Wolff described Schlanger’s death as an “unspeakable loss” not only for the Chabad of Bondi but for the entire Jewish nation. “Eli was ripped away from us while doing what he loved most,” Rabbi Wolff said, adding that Schlanger had “towered above as one of the highest and holiest souls.”

Family Mourns a Beloved Husband and Father

Rabbi Schlanger’s father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, delivered an emotional eulogy, describing him as “my son, my friend, my confidant.” Ulman spoke of the deep bond they shared and expressed his regret at not telling Schlanger more often how much he was loved and appreciated.

Ulman encouraged the Jewish community to continue living openly in the aftermath of the attack, emphasizing the importance of resilience. He announced that the final night of Hanukkah would still be celebrated on Bondi Beach, maintaining a 31-year-old tradition that Schlanger had helped sustain.

Funerals Continue for Other Victims

The funeral of Rabbi Yaakov Levitan is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, while 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the shooting, will be mourned on Thursday. Speaking outside Bondi, Matilda’s father praised the bravery and quick actions of bystanders, police, and lifesavers who tried to save his children. He gave special thanks to a woman who protected his younger daughter, Summer, during the chaos.

National Leaders and International Figures Attend

A number of political and diplomatic figures attended Schlanger’s funeral, including Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was not present, noting that he attends funerals when invited and emphasizing that these events are private farewells for loved ones.

The Jewish community has criticized Albanese for not doing enough to combat antisemitism. The Prime Minister responded that he has taken multiple measures, including appointing Australia’s first antisemitism envoy, strengthening hate speech laws, and increasing funding for social cohesion projects and Jewish institutions.

Investigation Into the Attack

Authorities have confirmed that one of the men accused of carrying out the Bondi Beach attack will be charged later on Wednesday, though NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said this depends on his medical condition. Naveed Akram, who was critically injured and shot by police during the attack, reportedly awoke from a coma on Tuesday. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed during the shooting.

Police reports suggest the attackers may have been inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group, and investigations are ongoing into whether they traveled to the Philippines in November to meet with Islamist militants.

Courage Amid Tragedy: Police and Bystanders Recognized

Two police officers were critically injured while responding to the attack. Jack Hibbert, a 22-year-old officer with only four months of experience, was shot but continued to protect civilians until he was physically unable to continue. Constable Scott Dyson remains in critical but stable condition following additional surgery. The bravery of police and bystanders has been widely praised for saving lives amid the chaos.

The Bondi Beach shooting remains a devastating event for Sydney and the global Jewish community, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance against violence and support for those affected by acts of terror.