Australia Mourns as First Funeral Held for Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Victim of Bondi Beach Mass Shooting

The first funeral for victims of the tragic Bondi Beach mass shooting will be held in Australia on Wednesday, as community members gather to honor Rabbi Eli Schlanger who lost his life in the attack.

Rabbi Schlanger, a father of five affectionately known as the "Bondi Rabbi," will be remembered during a morning service at Chabad of Bondi Synagogue, according to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.

The council has advised that substantial crowds are anticipated at the service, reflecting the community's deep sense of loss.

The devastating incident occurred Sunday evening when gunmen Sajid Akram and his son Naveed attacked people who had gathered at Sydney's iconic beach during Hanukkah celebrations, resulting in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries.

Rabbi Schlanger had dedicated his life to service, working as a chaplain for the New South Wales correctional service and a major hospital, as noted by the Chabad movement's website. The Chabad organization, representing a branch of Hasidic Judaism, had organized the Bondi event that ended in tragedy.

Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry paid tribute to Schlanger, stating, "Anyone who knew him knew that he was the very best of us."

Those close to Rabbi Schlanger described the beloved community leader as being "just full of light."