Rabbi Eli Schlanger was more than a religious figure. He was a pillar of his community. His sudden death in the Bondi Beach shooting has left friends and families around the world grieving. He was attending a Hanukkah celebration when two gunmen opened fire during a crowded event.
The attack targeted the Jewish community and has been declared a terrorist incident. Rabbi Schlanger’s life and work now stand as a testament to devotion in the face of rising hate.
Who Was Rabbi Eli Schlanger?
Rabbi Eli Schlanger was a devoted spiritual leader and community organiser. He grew up in north London and later moved to Sydney, where he served as an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi for nearly two decades. He was known for his warm personality and tireless efforts to bring people together.
Schlanger was deeply involved in organising community events, mentoring young people, and supporting families throughout his ministry.
He was 41 years old and a father of five, including a baby born just weeks before the attack. His life was marked by faith, service, and family. Friends said he was always focused on bringing “light” into people’s lives, especially during important holidays like Hanukkah.
A Community Builder and Spiritual Anchor
For many in the Sydney Jewish community, Rabbi Schlanger was a constant presence. He led prayers, organised events, and helped create safe spaces for people of all ages to celebrate their culture and beliefs. His role extended beyond traditional duties; he also acted as a counsellor and mentor, helping those in need through moments of joy and hardship.
During Hanukkah, he was particularly active in planning celebrations that drew large crowds. He worked behind the scenes to ensure that festivities were inclusive, safe, and filled with meaning. He was killed while performing these very duties—bringing his community together.
The Bondi Beach Shooting: A Horrific Turn of Events
On the evening of December 14, 2025, two armed attackers opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach. The event, known as “Chanukah by the Sea,” attracted hundreds of families. As the sun set, gunfire erupted, throwing the crowd into chaos. Police labelled it a terrorist act, and at least 11 people were killed, with many more injured.
One of the attackers was killed by police at the scene. The other was taken into custody in critical condition. Paramedics and emergency services rushed to the scene, tending to victims ranging from children to the elderly.
A Legacy of Faith Against Hate
The shooting has shocked Australia and the world. Leaders condemned the violence and pledged support for the Jewish community. But for many, Rabbi Schlanger’s death hits on a personal level that goes beyond headlines.
His cousin described him as someone who brought joy and light to people’s lives. “How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light… have his life ended in this way?” the cousin said.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger: Connection to 26/11 Mumbai Attacks
Rabbi Schlanger’s life also drew poignant connections to the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008. Before the Bondi tragedy, he helped organise a memorial for victims of those attacks, including Chabad emissaries Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg. Like Schlanger, they were killed while serving their community.
The Mumbai attack was a moment of profound loss for Jewish and global communities alike. Rabbi Schlanger honoured that memory, organising events to ensure that the world did not forget the victims’ sacrifices. In a cruel twist of fate, Schlanger himself died while hosting a communal celebration, making his loss all the more symbolic.
Faith in the Face of Violence
In response to the attack, survivors and community leaders have called for unity, resilience, and increased protection for religious communities. Many have vowed to follow Rabbi Schlanger’s example by continuing to spread light and joy in dark times. His life and tragic death have become an emblem of perseverance in the face of senseless violence.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger is remembered as a father, mentor, and leader. His work touched countless lives. At the heart of his legacy is the belief that community, faith, and kindness must endure, even against hatred and terror. As memorials and tributes spread across continents, the world mourns a life taken too soon—but one that inspired many.
