Those lost in the attack included Chabad rabbis, children, grandparents, Holocaust survivors, businessmen and people just getting their start in life.By Vered Weiss, World Israel NewsA Chanukah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney to mark the first night of the holiday turned into a mass tragedy and one of the most severe antisemitic terror attacks since the Hamas invasion of Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.The incident demonstrated not only the cruelty of the assailants but also the heroism of ordinary people who tried to stop the attackers, as well as the sense of loss for those who were victims of the shooting.Those lost in the attack included Chabad rabbis, children, grandparents, Holocaust survivors, businessmen and people just getting their start in life.Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, known widely as the “Bondi Rabbi,” was a central organizer of the event and the head of the local Chabad mission. The British-born father of five was described by community leaders as exceptionally humane and selfless. His cousin confirmed his death, noting that he left behind his wife and young children, including an infant just 2 months old. His funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.Alexander Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to Australia from Ukraine, was killed while protecting his wife during the attack. His wife, Larisa, said he moved closer to shield her as gunfire erupted. Chabad said he died absorbing bullets meant for her. He is survived by two children and 11 grandchildren.Boris and Sofia Gurman, married for 34 years, were killed after Boris attempted to disarm one of the attackers. Footage showed him wrestling with the weapon as Sofia stood beside him. Their family said the couple acted instinctively to protect others, calling their actions a reflection of their lifelong devotion to helping those around them.Peter Meagher, a former police officer, was working as a freelance photographer at the Chanukah event when he was shot and killed. Known as “Marzo,” he spent nearly four decades with the New South Wales Police Force. His rugby club said he was a pillar of the organization and noted the tragic irony that he was killed in retirement after a career spent protecting the public.Dan Elkayam, a French national who had moved to Australia last year, was confirmed dead by France’s foreign minister. An IT analyst by profession, he worked for NBC Universal and was also an avid footballer. His club described him as an integral and well-loved member of its premier league squad.Reuven Morrison, who immigrated to Australia from the former Soviet Union as a teenager, believed it would offer safety from antisemitism. Chabad described him as a successful businessman who devoted much of his resources to charitable causes, particularly the Bondi Chabad community, after reconnecting with his Jewish identity in Sydney.Rabbi Yaakov Levitan served as secretary of the Sydney Beth Din and worked at the BINA Center for Jewish Learning. Chabad described him as a widely respected coordinator of communal activities whose loss leaves a significant void in Sydney’s Jewish institutional life.Tibor Weitzen, 78, was attending the event with his wife and grandchildren when he was killed attempting to shield a family friend. A longtime member of the Bondi Chabad Synagogue, he had immigrated to Australia from Israel in 1988 and was remembered by family as someone who saw only the good in others.Marika Pogany, 82, was an active volunteer and a member of Sydney’s Harbour View Bridge Club. Leaders in Slovakia confirmed she was among the dead, with former officials describing her as an exceptional woman who considered Bondi Beach her haven.Edith Brutman was a vice president of the New South Wales branch of B’nai B’rith. Her family described her as a woman of integrity who consistently chose service over division. Colleagues said she was deeply committed to confronting prejudice and discrimination.Boris Tetleroyd was killed while attending the event with his son, who was also shot and remains hospitalized. His family described him as a devoted husband and father, and the primary provider for his household.Matilda, 10, was the youngest victim of the attack. Born in Australia to parents who had immigrated from Ukraine, she was described by teachers and family as bright and joyful. Her mother later said the gunman deliberately fired at her. Her sister, who was beside her at the time, is struggling to come to terms with the loss.The post Chabad rabbis, holocaust survivors, a 10-year-old girl: Who are the Bondi attack victims? appeared first on World Israel News.