The first of the funerals for victims of the Bondi Beach shooting has taken place in Sydney, with thousands gathering to mourn Rabbi Eli Schlanger.
He was among 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire on a festival marking the first day of Hanukkah. Australia's prime minister said that the attackers appear to have been inspired by Islamic State (IS) group.
Rabbi Schlanger, known as the 'Bondi Rabbi', had helped organize the event and was born in the UK. Just two months prior, his wife gave birth to their fifth child.
Rabbi Levi Wolff, who opened the service, described Schlanger's death as an 'unspeakable loss' for the community, the Chabad of Bondi, and 'the entire Jewish nation'.
His father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, described him as someone beloved by the community. He expressed his regret for not telling Schlanger more often how much he was loved and appreciated.
Ulman encouraged the Jewish community not to retreat in the face of this tragedy, signaling a commitment to continue their practices, including a tradition to light the final candle of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach.
The funerals for other victims, including Rabbi Yaakov Levitan and 10-year-old Matilda, are expected to follow. Matilda's family has publicly thanked those who assisted during the shooting.
Amid the mourning, political leaders including the opposition leader Sussan Ley and former Prime Minister Scott Morrison attended, highlighting a significant moment for the Jewish community in Australia. Prime Minister Albanese was notably absent, leading to criticism about his administration's handling of antisemitism.
In response to the incident, the government has proposed additional measures against antisemitism, underscoring the need for legislative and community support to address rising hate crimes.
As the community reflects on this senseless act, the hope for healing and unity remains a central theme in the dialogues that follow.
