The first funerals for victims of the Bondi terror attack were held on Wednesday, as Sydney's Jewish community united in grief. Among those mourned was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a 41-year-old father of five and a central figure in the local community, who was killed during a Hanukah celebration.
A Community in Mourning: Remembering a 'Great Leader'
Rabbi Eli Schlanger was remembered as "much more than a rabbi" during an emotional service at the Chabad of Bondi synagogue. The London-born assistant rabbi was described as a loving friend, a mentor, and "a force" within the congregation he served for 18 years.
The service, attended by family, friends, community members, and prominent politicians, was a rare honour, as funerals are not typically held in synagogues. Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, Schlanger's father-in-law, said this exception was made for "a great leader among the Jewish people."
Schlanger was a key organiser of the 'Chanukah by the Sea' event in Archer Park, near Bondi Beach, where the attack occurred on Sunday night. He was one of 15 victims named following the assault on the Jewish community gathering marking the first night of Hanukah.
Political Leaders Pay Their Respects
The funeral drew significant political attention, reflecting the national impact of the attack. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane were in attendance. Federal MP for Wentworth Allegra Spender, Federal Labor MP Josh Burns, and Israel's Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon also paid their respects.
Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud attended, as did former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while expressing that the thoughts of all Australians were with the bereaved families, did not appear to attend the Wednesday service.
Security was heightened around the synagogue, with streets cordoned off and arrivals strictly controlled as a steady stream of mourners arrived for the 11am service.
A Legacy of Service and an Unthinkable Loss
In a tearful address, Rabbi Ulman spoke directly to his son-in-law, stating it was "unthinkable that we talk about you in the past tense." He highlighted Schlanger's recent joy in becoming a father to a newborn son and his dedicated work as a chaplain with Corrective Services NSW.
Rabbi Aron Moss, who began the service, emphasised Schlanger's profound connection to his community, noting he was "more than a rabbi to his congregants." Prayers were read in both Hebrew and English in the packed synagogue, with many forced to stand.
Outside, about a hundred later arrivals watched the service via livestream or prayed with tefillin. The service concluded with a procession led by a ceremonial Correctional Services guard, followed by mourners singing in Hebrew.
Rabbi Ulman framed the community's pain by comparing Sunday's attack to "its own 7 October," referencing the recent Hamas attacks in Israel. He paid tribute to other victims, including 10-year-old Matilda, the attack's youngest known victim, and asked for thoughts for those still recovering in hospital.
In a powerful statement of defiance, Ulman announced that this Sunday, rabbis and community members would return to Bondi Beach to light the eight Hanukah candles. "We're going to show the world that the Jewish people are unbeatable," he declared.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger's funeral was one of several held on Wednesday for the victims of the Bondi terror attack, as a shattered community begins the long process of mourning and seeking strength.
