Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a British-born religious leader and one of the 15 victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack, was farewelled at an emotional and heavily guarded funeral in Sydney on Wednesday. His family delivered a moving eulogy, remembering him as a devoted husband, father, and pillar of the Jewish community, while mourners including political leaders gathered to pay their respects.
The funeral service was held at the Chabad of Bondi Synagogue, with a significant police presence ensuring security amid heightened tensions following Sunday’s attack. Hundreds of attendees, including NSW Premier Chris Minns, former prime minister Scott Morrison, and Liberal leader Sussan Ley, filled the synagogue to honor Rabbi Schlanger. This was the first funeral for the victims of the mass shooting that targeted a Hanukkah celebration event, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
During the service, Rabbi Schlanger’s father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, gave an emotional eulogy, struggling to speak as he reflected on his son-in-law’s life. He described Rabbi Schlanger as his “hands and feet,” someone he could rely on for everything, and emphasized his selfless nature. Rabbi Ulman noted that Schlanger was deeply involved in community work, often traveling long distances to provide religious support to prisoners and hospital patients, and had even assisted an inmate the day before his death.
Rabbi Aron Moss also paid tribute, calling Rabbi Schlanger “one of the purest and most sincere and compassionate people” and highlighting his roles as a husband, father, and friend. He stated that the loss was “massive for the entire Jewish nation” and urged the community to continue Schlanger’s work. The eulogies painted a picture of a man who shunned the limelight, preferring to serve others quietly and with humility.
Rabbi Schlanger, 44, was the head of the Bondi Chabad mission and had been a religious leader for 18 years. He and his wife had recently welcomed a new child two months ago, adding to their family of five children. In addition to his community duties, he worked with Corrective Services NSW, offering Jewish religious support and counseling to prisoners across the state, a role he took on in 2022.
The Bondi Beach attack, carried out by 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram during a Chanukah by the Sea event, has been described by Rabbi Ulman as “our own seventh of October,” drawing parallels to the 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel. This comparison underscores the profound impact on the local Jewish community and the broader implications for antisemitism and security in Australia.
In the wake of the tragedy, Rabbi Ulman called for strength and resilience, urging the Jewish community not to be intimidated. He pledged to support Rabbi Schlanger’s children and emphasized that the community would act as “Eli’s hands and feet and heart.” The funeral marked the beginning of a series of memorials for the victims, as Australia grapples with the aftermath and authorities continue investigations into the attackers’ motives and preparations.
As the first victim laid to rest, the funeral served as a poignant moment of collective grief and a call to action against hate. Prime Minister and other leaders have announced reforms to combat antisemitism, while the community rallies to honor Rabbi Schlanger’s legacy through increased solidarity and continued religious observance.
