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 inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group. Rabbi Schlanger, who helped organize the event and was affectionately known as the 'Bondi Rabbi,' had welcomed his fifth child just two months prior.
Rabbi Levi Wolff opened the service, describing Schlanger's death as an 'unspeakable loss' for the community and for the Jewish nation. Fellow mourners remembered Rabbi Schlanger for his devotion to spreading joy and love within his community.
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman reflected on how much the community loved and appreciated Schlanger, urging the Jewish people not to retreat in fear after such violence but to gather and celebrate their traditions. He encouraged everyone to continue the tradition of lighting the final Hanukkah candle on Bondi Beach.
The funerals for other victims, including a 10-year-old girl, are scheduled for later this week. As the community processes this tragedy, leaders are calling for action against rising antisemitism in Australia, emphasizing the need to support affected families and honor those lost. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced criticism regarding his response to antisemitism but has defended his measures and actions in light of the attack, which remains the deadliest shooting incident in Australia since 1996.
Rabbi Levi Wolff opened the service, describing Schlanger's death as an 'unspeakable loss' for the community and for the Jewish nation. Fellow mourners remembered Rabbi Schlanger for his devotion to spreading joy and love within his community.
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman reflected on how much the community loved and appreciated Schlanger, urging the Jewish people not to retreat in fear after such violence but to gather and celebrate their traditions. He encouraged everyone to continue the tradition of lighting the final Hanukkah candle on Bondi Beach.
The funerals for other victims, including a 10-year-old girl, are scheduled for later this week. As the community processes this tragedy, leaders are calling for action against rising antisemitism in Australia, emphasizing the need to support affected families and honor those lost. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced criticism regarding his response to antisemitism but has defended his measures and actions in light of the attack, which remains the deadliest shooting incident in Australia since 1996.
