The Souls Stolen in the Bondi Chanukah Massacre

by Yossi Reicher – chabad.org

On Dec. 14, 2025, as the Sydney Jewish community prepared to be among the first in the world to mark the first night of Chanukah at Chabad of Bondi’s annual “Chanukah at the Sea” event, terrorists stole the lives of 15 innocent souls and injured dozens more.

Here are those we lost:

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41

Rabbi Eli Schlanger

Known as the “Bondi Rabbi,” Rabbi Eli Schlanger was a Chabad-Lubavitch emissary who was an organizer of the “Chanukah by the Sea” event.

Born in London and ordained at the Central Lubavitcher Yeshivah in New York, Schlanger served as assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, a role he fulfilled with immense energy and passion. His influence extended far beyond the walls of the synagogue; he served as a chaplain for New South Wales correctional services and St. Vincent’s Hospital, and spearheaded initiatives ranging from digital outreach tools to Project Noah, which teaches universal moral laws. Friends and family described him as “a wonderful community man,” full of boundless enthusiasm and energy, and “just full of light.”

Rabbi Schlanger is survived by his wife, Chayale, and their five children, the youngest of whom is a two-month-old boy whose bris was celebrated only weeks ago. He is also survived by his parents, Rabbi Binyomin and Dobra Schlanger, and eight siblings. Schlanger will be laid to rest in Sydney.

A fuller tribute to Rabbi Schlanger can be found here.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan was a vital, behind-the-scenes pillar of Sydney’s Jewish infrastructure. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Levitan’s background combined business knowledge and Talmudic studies, having earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of South Africa before pursuing Rabbinic and Talmudic Studies at Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem.

Known for his kindness and tireless work in assisting others, Levitan was also part of a global project providing tefillin to those who committed to wearing them daily. He served as the general manager of Chabad of Bondi and was the dedicated secretary of the Sydney Beth Din. Additionally, he was a key administrator for the BINA Library and Educational Resource Centre.

Beyond these roles, Levitan was also the founder and owner of tapNgive, a Sydney-based initiative providing streamlined and modernized ways for charities to raise funds.

He is survived by his wife, Adina, and four children between the ages of 6 and 16.

Reuven Morrison, 62

Reuven Morrison

Reuven Morrison was a businessman, philanthropist, and member of the Chabad communities both in Melbourne and Sydney. Born in the former Soviet Union, Morrison migrated to Australia as a teenager in the 1970s, seeking a safe environment far away from the persecution he had experienced in his youth in the USSR.

Known for his kindness and generosity, Morrison was a dedicated activist who remained acutely aware of the ever-present threat of antisemitism. In a 2024 media interview, he recalled the vigilance required to walk the streets of the USSR, yet expressed shock that similar intimidation was now appearing in Australia.

According to footage of the terror attack, it appears Morrison was attempting to distract the terrorists by making himself a bigger target, allowing others to flee, as he heroically stared down the terrorists, refusing to cower.

Morrison is survived by his wife, Leah, their daughter, Shaina, and son-in-law, and grandchildren.

Alex Kleytman, 87

Alex Kleytman

Ukraine-born Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman attended the event with his wife, Larisa, his children and grandchildren, a Chanukah tradition they celebrated every year since immigrating to Australia.

“I think he was shot because he raised himself up to protect me,” Mrs. Kleytman said, describing the chaos as the festivities were interrupted by gunfire. She recalled that as others dropped to the ground, her husband instinctively moved to cover her, using his body as a shield.

Kleytman, a patriarch who leaves behind two children, and 11 grandchildren, is remembered as a man whose life was defined by resilience and family.

Tibor Weitzen, 78

Tibor Weitzen

Tibor Weitzen, a beloved patriarch of the Chabad of Bondi community, was remembered by his community as a man full of life, joy and laughter. He died trying to shield a family friend, who also lost her life.

Within synagogue, children knew the Israeli Weitzen as the “sweetest and kindest man” who never failed to greet them with a smile and a lollipop, earning him his affectionate nickname.

A dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Weitzen’s life revolved around his family and community. His grandson, Mendy Amzalak, a first responder, tragically came upon his grandfather’s body at the scene.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marika Pogany, 82

Marika Pogany

Marika Pogany, a Hungarian-born childhood Holocaust survivor and tireless community volunteer, had lived in Australia for decades, and was seated in the front rows of the annual “Chanukah by the Sea” event when the two gunmen opened fire on the crowd.

Known by friends as an “amazing person,” Pogany was widely recognized for her decades of service within the Jewish community. Her deep dedication to assisting others was exemplified in 2022 when she received an award honoring her work delivering 12,000 Kosher Meals on Wheels over the course of more than two decades.

Dan Elkayam, 27

Dan Elyakam

Dan Elkayam moved to Australia approximately a year ago to work in engineering, quickly establishing himself as a beloved figure in Sydney’s south through his involvement with the Rockdale Ilinden Football Club.

A talented athlete and a close friend to many, he is described by friends as a “happy, vibrant young man.” The young Frenchman reportedly tried to intervene between one of the shooters and a 12-year-old girl who later died from her injuries at a hospital.

Matilda, 10

Matilda

Matilda was tragically killed attending the Chanukah event at Bondi Beach with her family, the youngest of the 15 victims.

“I knew her as a bright, joyful and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her” described a former teacher. In a statement, the Harmony Russian School, where she was a student, expressed its collective mourning, announcing that the school would remember Matilda “with love, grief and deep sorrow.”

Peter Meagher, 61

Peter Meagher

Peter Meagher was a retired detective sergeant with the NSW Police and a member of the Randwick Rugby club, and following his retirement after 34 years of service, he embraced his passion for photography and made a career of it. “Marzo,” as he was known, was on assignment taking photos of “Chanukah by the Sea” when he was murdered during the terrorist attack.

New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park has also announced that a 12-year-old child was among those killed.

May their memory be for a blessing.