The stories of those who died in Bondi Beach attack

December 16, 2025

The deadly shooting at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach has sent shockwaves across Australia and the world, leaving a nation in mourning and reigniting debate over gun safety and targeted violence. At least 15 people, ranging in age from 10 to 87, were killed when gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah gathering attended largely by members of the Australian Jewish community. Authorities said more than 100 rounds were fired in under six minutes, turning a peaceful celebration into a scene of horror.

The attackers were identified as a father-son duo, Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram. Investigators have described the assault as a terror attack, with officials confirming the event was deliberately targeted. As tributes pour in for the victims, Australia has vowed to review and further tighten gun laws while community leaders call for unity against hatred and extremism.

Among the victims was ten-year-old Matilda, the youngest to lose her life in the attack. Her death was confirmed by her aunt on Sunday night, December 14. A former student of the Harmony Russian School of Sydney, Matilda was remembered as a “bright, joyful and spirited child” who brought happiness to those around her. Her loss has deeply shaken the nation, symbolising the indiscriminate cruelty of the violence.

The oldest victim was Alexander “Alex” Kleytman, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who had rebuilt his life in Australia after enduring unimaginable suffering during his childhood in Europe. Originally from Ukraine, Kleytman was attending the event with his wife, Larisa, their children and grandchildren. His wife confirmed his death outside St Vincent’s Hospital. According to JewishCare, both Alex and Larisa survived the Holocaust, carrying lifelong scars from their experiences, including Alex’s memories of brutal conditions in Siberia. Despite this, the couple sought hope and safety in Australia. In her grief, Larisa recounted how her husband tried to shield her from the gunfire, sacrificing his life in the process. He is survived by his wife, two children and 11 grandchildren.
Dan Elkayam, a French citizen of Jewish heritage, was also among those killed. An IT analyst with NBC Universal, Elkayam had been living in Sydney for several years. Educated in France, he held degrees in computer systems, networking and cloud computing. A passionate footballer, he played semi-professionally for Rockdale Ilinden and was set to join the Arncliffe Aurora Football Club for the 2026 season. His club described him as a talented and deeply respected teammate. French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed solidarity with Elkayam’s family and the Australian Jewish community.

Peter Meagher, known as Marzo, was another victim of the attack. A former NSW Police Force detective sergeant, Meagher had transitioned into freelance and corporate photography. He was on assignment at the “Chanukah by the Sea” event when the shooting occurred. A respected figure at the Randwick Rugby Club, where he volunteered for years, Meagher was remembered as generous, selfless and deeply committed to serving the community. Friends said he spent his life giving back, both through law enforcement and sport.
Businessman Reuven Morrison, a member of the Chabad community, was also killed. Morrison emigrated from the former Soviet Union to Australia in the 1970s after facing persecution as a Jewish person. He built a successful business in Sydney while living with his wife and daughter in Melbourne. According to Chabad.org, Morrison dedicated much of his earnings to charitable causes. In a 2024 interview, he had spoken of Australia as a place of safety, expressing shock that such violence could occur in a country he believed offered refuge from anti-Semitism.
Tibor Weitzen died after being fatally wounded while protecting his wife, who survived the attack. His grandson, Mendy Amzalak, described him as a joyful man full of life. Amzalak, a trained first responder, rushed to the scene during the attack and began treating victims, only to discover his grandfather’s body among them.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, secretary of the Sydney Jewish religious organisation Beth Din, was also killed. Chabad confirmed his death, describing him as a dedicated community leader. Another rabbi was among the victims, remembered for his compassion and service, while Israeli authorities confirmed that at least one Israeli citizen also died in the shooting.
As Australia grieves, vigils have been held nationwide to honour the victims. Leaders across political and religious lines have condemned the attack, calling for justice, stronger protections and renewed efforts to combat hatred. For the families left behind, the tragedy has left an irreplaceable void, marking one of the darkest chapters in the country’s recent history