The first funerals was held in Australia for those who were killed in Sunday’s mass shooting of Bondi Beach. The assembly was there to pay tribute to British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger. There is also a funeral later today of Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, one of the 15 victims of the attack.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a religious leader born in London, is the first victim among the 15 who have been identified after the terror attack, which resulted in deaths, during a Jewish community event last Sunday night. The attack happened at Archer Park, close to Bondi Beach in Sydney, during a Hanukah festival, which marked the first night of the festival.
Rabbi who played a pivotal role in arranging Chanukah by the Sea when a terror attack targeted it. He served as an assistant Rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and had lived in the Bondi Jewish community for almost two decades when his death occurred. In fact, his ‘Funeral’ would be one of the first “Funeral Services” staged for terror attack victims at “Bondi.” He would be remembered for being more than a “Rabbi” at these “Funeral Services.”
Rabbi Eli Schlanger was whom?
Rabbi Eli Schlanger was aged 41 years old. He was a father of five, and his family had recently been blessed with a newborn baby, a son. Rabbi Eli was known to be a devoted person, with his life revolving around his religion, helping, and doing community work.
Rabbi Schlanger is described by his family and friends as more than just the spiritual leader of his congregation. He is also seen and regarded as a friendly confidant, an advisor for his fellow rabbis, and someone who is strong in his support network. Moreover, apart from his work at Chabad of Bondi, Rabbi Schlanger has been the chaplain of the NSW Corrective Services for the last 18 years, giving spiritual guidance to the prisoners.
Funeral service held within Chabad of Bondi synagogue
Rabbi Schlanger was buried after a funeral service was conducted at the Chabad of Bondi synagogue, where he was an assistant rabbi. The service was even more significant since funerals are not normally conducted inside synagogues.
Leaders Attend Funeral of Bondi Beach Victim
It occurred at a time when funerals are being held in honor of those who were attacked on Sunday. NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane were at the funeral. Premier Minns wore his kippah as he mingled with members of the Jewish community outside the synagogue.
Federal MP for Wentworth Allegra Spender also attended and was observed hugging members of the security personnel. Others who attended the service include federal Labor MP Josh Burns, the Israeli ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon, the Leader of Opposition Sussan Ley, the leader of the Nationals David Littleproud, and former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese failed to attend the service.
When questioned to attend funeral , Albanese responded, “ My thoughts and the thoughts of all Australians are with those farewelling their loved ones today. That’s all I’ll say on that subject.” However, Albanese would not confirm his attendance at any of the funerals.
Tight Security Amid Funeral Procession of Bondi Beach Victim
There was heavy security all day, too, as police cordoned off streets around the venue. There was also a constant stream of somber-looking mourners, all of whom wore head coverings, arriving at 11am.
Some of those who came to pay their last respects were praying and wearing tefillin, which are boxes of the Torah that consist of leather. There was a procession that followed the coffin of Rabbi Schlanger after the funeral, which was led by a guard from the Correctional Services. People were singing prayers in Hebrew.
Recall the Respect for Victims of Bondi Beach Victim
Talking about the broader effects of this assault, Rabbi Ulman told the congregation that the Jewish community in Sydney had its own “7 October.” He referred to a number of the casualties who included the youngest victim in the assault, the 10-year-old girl named Matilda.
‘There is just too much pain and too much tragedy, and then consider those that are still in hospital recovering.’ Ulman concluded by saying that rabbis from Bondi and the community would be back at the beach on Sunday to light eight candles together in commemoration of the victims.