World
Victims Killed in Bondi Beach Mass Shooting Identified
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying the victims of Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where gunmen opened fire on the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration.
What was meant to be a gathering to mark the beginning of Hanukkah turned into a scene of terror, claiming 15 innocent lives and injuring many others.
Among those confirmed deceased are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41 – Assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi, remembered as a devoted husband and father of five. He was widely known for his warmth, courage, and commitment to strengthening Jewish life and identity. He is survived by his wife and children.
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53 – A Chabad emissary and secretary of the Sydney Beth Din, regarded as a quiet but steadfast pillar of Jewish education and community service.
- Alex Kleytman, 87 – A Ukrainian Holocaust survivor who died while shielding his wife of 57 years as gunfire erupted through the crowd.
- Dan Elkayam, 27 – A recent immigrant from France, described by friends as an energetic young professional and passionate traveler, whose life was cut short while celebrating with his community.
- Reuven Morrison, 62 – A generous supporter of Jewish communal life who discovered his Jewish identity in Sydney. Witnesses say he attempted to protect others by confronting the attackers unarmed, sacrificing his life in the process.
- Matilda Britvan, 10 – A joyful and bright child whose life was taken as she attended the celebration with her family, symbolizing the profound loss of innocence in the attack.
- Tibor Weitzen, 78 – A beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, remembered for his kindness and efforts to protect others during the chaos.
- Peter Meagher, 61 – A retired police officer and community volunteer who was working as a photographer at the event when he was killed.
- Marika Pogany, 82 – A grandmother honored for decades of volunteer service, including delivering thousands of kosher meals to those in need.
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61 – A Russian-Jewish couple married for 34 years and longtime residents of North Bondi. Family members described them as brave and selfless. Footage shows the couple running toward danger and attempting to wrestle a rifle away from one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved numerous lives. They were later fatally shot.
Officials say additional victims may be identified as the investigation continues and as families are formally notified.
Police have identified the two alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24.
Authorities confirmed the gunmen were father and son. Sajid Akram was killed at the scene, while Naveed Akram remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Investigators reported that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and announced plans to push for stricter gun laws in response.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in black firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club, as beachgoers fled in panic.
This remains a developing story.
The names released reflect those victims whose identities have been confirmed publicly to date.
They are shared with care and respect, to honor their lives and to acknowledge the profound human cost of this attack.
May their memories be a blessing.
Indian police confirmed Tuesday that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, was an Indian citizen who emigrated from India nearly three decades ago.
Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on attendees at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, killing 15 people and injuring several others.
In a statement, police in India’s southern state of Telangana said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.
“Based on information available from family members in India, Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his relatives in Hyderabad over the past 27 years,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that Akram returned to India on six occasions following his migration, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents.
Police added that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Indian officials emphasized that there were no adverse records or criminal history associated with Akram during his time in India.
Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views, radical activity, or behaviors that might have suggested violent tendencies.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police statement said.
Australian immigration records list Naveed Akram, 24, as an Australian citizen, according to authorities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and stated that investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with the intent of instilling fear within Australia’s Jewish community.
He announced plans to pursue stronger gun control measures, noting that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying victims of the attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration meant to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday.
Those confirmed deceased include religious leaders, community volunteers, elderly residents, a retired police officer, a young immigrant, and a child.
Among the victims identified so far are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53, Chabad emissary and Sydney Beth Din secretary
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor
- Dan Elkayam, 27, a recent immigrant from France
- Reuven Morrison, 62, who reportedly attempted to confront the attackers unarmed
- Matilda Britvan, 10, who attended the event with her family
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, remembered for protecting others
- Peter Meagher, 61, a retired police officer and volunteer photographer
- Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime community volunteer
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a married couple who reportedly attempted to disarm one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved lives
Officials said additional victim names may be released as the investigation continues and families are formally notified.
Police identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club as crowds fled in panic.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Authorities in Australia and India continue to coordinate as officials seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its radicalization pathway.
May the victims’ memories be honored and their families supported during this time of profound loss.