In Sydney, mourners gathered on Wednesday to commence funerals for the victims of an antisemitic mass shooting that took place at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah celebrations. The heinous act resulted in the death of 15 individuals, all Jewish, with over 20 others receiving treatment in hospitals for their injuries incurred during the assault.
The tragic funerals come as Australia grapples with its deadliest hate-fueled massacre in modern history, igniting questions about the failings that allowed such violence to occur. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing, sparking public discourse about antisemitism, gun laws, and the effectiveness of police protections for Jewish community events. The victims ranged in age, including a 10-year-old girl and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor.
The first to be laid to rest was Eli Schlanger, 41, a devoted husband and father of five. Schlanger, who served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad-Lubavitch of Bondi, was instrumental in organizing the Chanukah by the Sea event where the attack took place. His father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, expressed his sorrow and regret, highlighting the importance of affirming love and appreciation for loved ones.
Funerals were held under heavy police presence due to the ongoing investigation, as Jewish tradition typically mandates burials within 24 hours of death. One mourner, Dmitry Chlafma, shared the profound impact Schlanger had on the community, describing him as warm, generous, and beloved.
Among the other victims were Boris and Sofia Gurman, a couple in their 60s who were killed while attempting to thwart one of the shooters. Reuven Morrison, also in his 60s, lost his life while defending others. The youngest victim, Matilda, 10, was remembered by her grieving mother, who implored attendees to keep her name alive in their hearts.
The two suspects, identified as a father and son duo who carried out a "terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State," have raised concerns about the adequacy of preventative measures against such hate-driven violence. Sajid Akram, 50, was killed during the incident, while his 24-year-old son, who remains hospitalized, is expected to face charges once he is capable of understanding the situation.
Authorities revealed that the younger suspect had been on their radar since 2019, and they are now critically examining the circumstances surrounding their trip to the Philippines in November, which has connections to IS-inspired separatist violence.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and state leaders have pledged to tighten Australia's already stringent gun laws, especially in light of the fact that the older suspect possessed six firearms legally. This potential reform could mark the most significant change to gun regulation since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, which left 35 fatalities.
In the wake of the shooting, community support has surged, with long lines forming at blood donation centers and an emotional gathering held at Bondi, where locals swam in the ocean in solidarity. Despite the fear instilled by the attack, Rabbi Ulman indicated a determination to continue the long-standing Hanukkah celebration, emphasizing the resiliency of the Jewish community in the face of adversity.
As Australia continues to mourn the tragic loss of life, the focus remains on addressing the underlying issues of antisemitism and violence that have led to this unimaginable tragedy, striving for a future where such hate crimes are effectively prevented.
