Australia is beginning to mourn the victims of the deadly Bondi Beach shooting, with the first funeral held on Wednesday for one of the most well-known figures killed in the attack.
Large crowds gathered at the Chabad of Bondi Synagogue to say goodbye to Eli Schlanger, a father of five widely known as the “Bondi rabbi.” Friends, family members, and community leaders filled the synagogue as his black coffin was brought inside. Many mourners broke down in tears, with some collapsing in grief beside the casket.
Schlanger was remembered as a deeply caring man who worked as a chaplain in hospitals and prisons, always offering comfort to others. “Anyone who knew him knew he represented the very best of us,” said Jewish community leader Alex Ryvchin during the service.
Another funeral was also planned later in the day for Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, a 39-year-old father of four known for his charity work and devotion to the community.
The funerals follow a shocking attack on Sunday evening, when Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed opened fire during a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed and dozens injured. Among the victims were a 10-year-old child, two Holocaust survivors, and a married couple who died while trying to stop the attackers.
Police heavily guarded the synagogue as crowds gathered outside to pay their respects. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the day would be especially painful for the Jewish community and the nation as a whole. “My heart goes out to everyone affected,” he said in a radio interview.
Authorities believe the attack was meant to spread fear among Jewish Australians. Albanese said investigators suspect the gunmen were driven by extremist ideology linked to Islamic State. Officials are also reviewing whether warning signs were missed, as Naveed Akram had previously been known to intelligence agencies but was not considered an immediate threat.
Investigators are looking into the pair’s recent travel to the Philippines, where they reportedly spent much of November in the southern city of Davao, an area with a history of extremist activity.
Dashcam footage released after the attack showed heartbreaking moments of bravery. Boris and Sofia Gurman, a married couple, were seen confronting one of the attackers. Boris managed to knock the gunman down and briefly grab his weapon while Sofia rushed to help him. Both were later shot and killed. Their family described them as heroes who acted selflessly to protect others.
Police eventually shot and killed Sajid Akram at the scene. Naveed Akram was critically injured and remains in hospital under police guard after waking from a coma.
The tragedy has sparked renewed debate over gun laws, after it emerged that Sajid Akram legally owned six firearms. Australian leaders have agreed to tighten regulations. Mass shootings have been rare since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which led to strict gun controls, but firearm ownership has slowly increased in recent years.
The attack has also reignited concerns about rising antisemitism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Western governments to do more to protect Jewish communities worldwide.
As Australia grieves, the funerals mark the beginning of a long and painful process of healing for families, friends, and a shaken nation.
