Bondi Beach Terror Attack Claims Life of Rabbi Eli Schlanger Who Commemorated Mumbai Attack Victims

Australian Prime Minister Albanese has condemned the violent incident as a targeted terrorist assault.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, who recently helped organize a memorial commemorating the Chabad emissaries killed in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was among the 15 victims of an antisemitic terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Local Jewish organizations noted that Rabbi Schlanger had also assisted in arranging the Sunday evening gathering marking the beginning of Hanukkah celebrations.

His cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, shared the tragic news on social media, stating, "My dear cousin, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was murdered in today's terrorist attack in Sydney. He leaves behind his wife, young children, and family. He was truly an incredible person."

Rabbi Schlanger had recently welcomed his fifth child.

The British-born rabbi had been living in Sydney for 18 years and served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad Bondi, the organization that hosted the event. Chabad is a worldwide Jewish organization dedicated to promoting Jewish identity and connection.

"Nothing was too big for him," remarked friend Alex Ryvchin, who also serves as co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.

"He would drive out to regional parts of the state and sit with prisoners in our jails and listen to their stories. He would go to Waterloo and Redfern and to the public housing and sit with the elderly, he would listen to their stories and feed them and make sure they had meals and kosher products. He was the sort of person who illuminated our lives with kindness, his grace and generosity."

Rabbi Mendel Kastel, Schlanger's brother-in-law, described the family as "broken".

"They have fallen apart," Kastel told Reuters. He added that the rabbi's wife's best friend also lost her husband in the shootings.

"They were best friends through school and both lost their husbands here. The rabbi has a baby only a few months old. It's very, very difficult, it's too early to tell how they will be feeling, how it will land, they are in shock."

The attack occurred during the Hanukkah by the Sea celebration, marking the first day of Hanukkah. Hundreds had gathered near Campbell Parade to participate in the festivities.

Two gunmen opened fire, resulting in 15 civilian deaths. More than forty individuals were hospitalized, including two police officers and four children, one of whom later succumbed to her injuries. One suspect remains in critical condition as investigators continue examining the scene.

Police have indicated the attack was perpetrated by a father and son, with victims ranging in age from 10 to 87 years old. The 50-year-old alleged gunman was fatally shot by police.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence as a targeted terrorist attack against Jewish Australians. "This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy. An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian."

Albanese emphasized that the location, Bondi Beach, a place for celebration and community gathering, made the attack particularly shocking. He subsequently proposed stricter national gun laws in response to the mass shooting.

The Prime Minister announced he would propose new restrictions, including limiting the number of firearms a licensed owner can obtain. These proposals came after authorities revealed that the older gunman had held a gun license for a decade and had legally acquired his six firearms.

"The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws," Albanese told reporters.

"People's circumstances can change. People can be radicalised over a period of time. Licenses should not be in perpetuity," he added.