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 remarked that the attackers appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group.
Rabbi Schlanger, affectionately known as the 'Bondi Rabbi', had a significant role in organizing the event. Born in the UK, he was a beloved figure in the community, recently becoming a father for the fifth time just two months ago. Rabbi Levi Wolff, who led the service, described Schlanger's passing as an 'unspeakable loss' for the Chabad of Bondi and the larger Jewish community.
'Eli was ripped away from us, doing what he loved best,' Rabbi Wolff said, highlighting Schlanger's commitment to spreading love and joy. Mourners included family members, community members, and leaders who recognized him as a dedicated and beloved individual.
During the emotional service, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman expressed his grief, referring to Schlanger as 'my son, my friend, my confidant'. He lamented that he wished he had expressed his love and appreciation for Rabbi Schlanger more frequently.
In the wake of the tragedy, community leaders have called for solidarity, emphasizing a tradition to continue lighting the final candle on Bondi Beach, despite fear and loss.
The funeral was attended by several prominent figures, including New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced criticism for not attending, leading him to defend his actions concerning antisemitism and community safety measures in Australia.
Following the incident, Naveed Akram was charged with 15 counts of murder and multiple other offenses. The attack stands as Australia's deadliest shooting incident in nearly three decades, prompting discussions about the safety of communities and the rise of extremist violence.
Rabbi Schlanger, affectionately known as the 'Bondi Rabbi', had a significant role in organizing the event. Born in the UK, he was a beloved figure in the community, recently becoming a father for the fifth time just two months ago. Rabbi Levi Wolff, who led the service, described Schlanger's passing as an 'unspeakable loss' for the Chabad of Bondi and the larger Jewish community.
'Eli was ripped away from us, doing what he loved best,' Rabbi Wolff said, highlighting Schlanger's commitment to spreading love and joy. Mourners included family members, community members, and leaders who recognized him as a dedicated and beloved individual.
During the emotional service, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman expressed his grief, referring to Schlanger as 'my son, my friend, my confidant'. He lamented that he wished he had expressed his love and appreciation for Rabbi Schlanger more frequently.
In the wake of the tragedy, community leaders have called for solidarity, emphasizing a tradition to continue lighting the final candle on Bondi Beach, despite fear and loss.
The funeral was attended by several prominent figures, including New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced criticism for not attending, leading him to defend his actions concerning antisemitism and community safety measures in Australia.
Following the incident, Naveed Akram was charged with 15 counts of murder and multiple other offenses. The attack stands as Australia's deadliest shooting incident in nearly three decades, prompting discussions about the safety of communities and the rise of extremist violence.
