Two days have passed since a father and son launched a murderous terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, and the death toll has continued to rise, now standing at 15 murdered Jews who will forever leave a void in the heart of the Jewish community, which remains stunned and grieving from the nightmare that occurred during the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle. These are the stories and legacies of the victims.
Sofia and Boris Gurman
Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife, Sofia Gurman, 61, had shared 34 years of marriage before terrorists killed them. Their relatives described the couple as honest and industrious individuals who extended kindness to everyone they encountered. Dashcam video captured Boris Gurman fighting with one of the gunmen in the attack's opening moments. The footage shows Gurman seizing control of the terrorist's firearm for several seconds during their confrontation on the street, before the terrorist shot the couple at point-blank range. Eyewitnesses reported they died in each other's arms.
The family statement read: "Devoted to their family and to each other, their absence has left a void that cannot be filled... In the moments before their passing Boris, with Sofia courageously beside him, attempted to intervene to protect others. This act of bravery and selflessness reflects exactly who they were: people who instinctively chose to help, even at great personal risk."
Rabbi Eli Schlanger
Rabbi Eli Schlanger had led his congregation for 18 years and directed the Chabad mission in Bondi, where he assisted numerous individuals ranging from elderly residents to incarcerated people. He is survived by his spouse and several young children, including an infant just two months old, along with his mother and siblings.
"A devoted rabbi and chaplain, working tirelessly … to support Jewish life in the Bondi community," Chabad's statement read.
Matilda
Matilda, a 10-year-old girl, attended the Hanukkah by the Sea event alongside her family members, including her sister, when a terrorist shot her.
Her parents, Valentyna and Michael, surnames withheld on family request, immigrated to Australia from Ukraine before Russia's invasion, The Guardian reported. "We came here from the Ukraine … and I named her Matilda because she was our firstborn in Australia. And I thought that Matilda was the most Australian name that could ever exist. So just remember – remember her name," the parents stated, articulating heartbreak too vast to fully comprehend.
"Imagine you see your beautiful little sister that you love just being killed in front of you. They were like twins. They've never been separated … Matilda was very friendly. She loves school, has a lot of friends … She's just a happy kid, always gives me cuddles," her aunt Lina shared.
Dan Elkayam
Dan Elkayam, a French citizen, relocated to Australia last year to seek an engineering job. Elkayam played football passionately, and the Rockdale Ilinden Football Club in west Sydney described him as "an integral member" of its premier league squad in a Facebook statement. The club characterized him as "an extremely talented and popular figure amongst teammates. Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Dan's family, friends, and all that knew him. He will be missed," the club's statement read.
"I have learned with deep sadness of the death of our fellow citizen Dan Elkayam in the antisemitism terrorist attack in Sydney," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote. "My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and I extend to them the full solidarity of the nation."
Peter Meagher
Peter Meagher completed 34 years of service with the NSW Police Force before retiring with the rank of detective sergeant. He volunteered as a first-grade manager for Randwick Rugby. The club mourned the devastating loss of "Marzo" in a statement, saying, "He was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby… He spent so long in the dangerous front line as a police officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos … Rest in Peace 'Marzo'. We all love you and will miss you greatly. We are devastated." Meagher worked as a freelance photographer at Sunday's Hanukkah event.
"Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter. He was a cherished brother, husband, and uncle whose kindness, generosity, and love touched everyone who knew him. Our lives have been changed forever," his family said.
Tibor Weitzen
Tibor Weitzen, 78, was a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who perished while protecting his family members from the gunfire. He immigrated to Australia from Israel in 1988, and his relatives characterized him as vibrant and full of vitality.
"My grandfather was truly the best you could ask for," his granddaughter, Leor, said. "He was so proud of us … and loved us more than life itself. He only saw the best in people and will be dearly missed."
"He was the congregation's beloved 'candyman' who brought joy and smiles to everyone," Chabad's statement read.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman survived the Holocaust as a child, struggling through a brutal Siberian winter alongside his mother and younger brother to survive. Following the war's conclusion, he departed Ukraine for Australia to pursue a career in civil engineering. His children and grandchildren also attended the Bondi Hanukkah celebrations. Alexander's wife, Larissa, stated her husband of 57 years was murdered while attempting to shield her from gunfire.
"He died shielding her from the gunman's bullets," Chabad's statement read. "In addition to his wife, he leaves behind two children and 11 grandchildren."
Edith Brutman
Edith Brutman was a cherished figure within Sydney's Jewish community. "Our beloved Edith was a woman of integrity who chose humanity every day," her family shared. "She met prejudice with principle, and division with service. Our family mourns her deeply, but we ask that her life, not the senseless violence that took it, be what endures. We hope her memory calls us as a nation back to decency, courage, and peace."
Marika Pogany
Marika Pogany volunteered to transport kosher meals for COA, an organization serving Jewish seniors. "She lifted the room simply by being in it," the organization shared in a statement. "She asked for nothing and gave everything...She took the time to know every person on her route. She chatted. She listened. She noticed the small things. She changed light bulbs, literally bringing light into people's homes. Her joy and spirit carried people through their week and through their loneliness...We are shattered by her loss. Marika gave real love to this community, and her impact runs deep."
Reuven Morrison
Reuven Morrison was a businessman who escaped the Soviet Union as a teenager in the 1970s and built his life in Bondi. Following a 2024 terror attack on a Melbourne synagogue, he informed the ABC he had become constantly alert, and expected Australia would offer Jews security.
In an interview with ILTV, his daughter recounted her father's heroism, throwing bricks at one of the terrorists to try and stop him. "My dear father was shot dead for being Jewish," his daughter, Sheina, said in pain. "He had jumped up the second the shooting started. He managed to throw bricks, he was screaming at the terrorist, and protecting his community," she added. "If there was a way for him to go on this earth, it will be fighting a terrorist."
"Most beautiful, generous man who had a gorgeous smile that would light up the room. He built a life here in Australia for his family and was an active member and generous contributor to both Melbourne and Sydney Jewish communities," Rabbi Gabi Kaltman said.
The list will be updated as more names are released.
