A tragic mass shooting at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, has left communities around Australia and the world reeling after at least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured during a Hanukkah celebration event. New information from authorities and media reports has begun to shed light on the identities and stories of the victims, highlighting the human cost of what has been described as a terror attack targeting the Jewish community.

The attack occurred during the first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, when families and community members had gathered to celebrate at the beach. Two gunmen opened fire on the crowd, killing multiple people and injuring many others. One of the attackers was killed by police, while the other was wounded and taken into custody.

Among the dead were people from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and life experiences — from young children to respected community leaders. One of the youngest victims was a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, whose family described her as a bright and joyful child who brought happiness to those around her. She had been attending the celebration with her loved ones when the gunfire erupted.

Another victim identified was Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national and semi-professional soccer player who was living and playing in Sydney. Elkayam’s club and teammates expressed profound grief and shock, remembering him as a promising athlete full of energy and potential.

The victims also included religious figures who were actively involved in organizing and supporting the community celebration. Among them was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, an assistant rabbi at a Chabad community in Sydney, known for his dedication to community service and spiritual leadership. His loss was mourned deeply by congregants and fellow faith leaders.

In addition to international and faith leaders, other Australians of diverse backgrounds were among those killed. Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman was reported to have died while attempting to shield his loved ones during the attack, embodying a spirit of bravery and self-sacrifice. Others included longtime community volunteers and local residents who had come together for a shared celebration.

Officials say the ages of the deceased ranged from those as young as 10 to elders in their late 80s. Many were civilians attending a peaceful cultural and religious event, and their deaths have been described as senseless and devastating. The full list of victims continues to be confirmed by authorities, and families have appealed for privacy during their grief.

The Bondi Beach incident has been one of the deadliest in Australian history, drawing comparisons to past national tragedies and prompting widespread mourning. Flags were flown at half-mast, memorials have been established near the site of the attack, and vigils have taken place across the country as people pay tribute to those who lost their lives.

Police and community leaders have also worked to support survivors and families of the victims, offering counselling services and financial assistance through government-sponsored programs. These efforts are aimed at helping those affected begin the long process of healing in the wake of unimaginable loss.

The international response has reflected the global impact of the tragedy. Leaders from around the world, including France, have expressed condolences and solidarity with the victims’ families and the broader Jewish community. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly mourned the death of Dan Elkayam and expressed deep sadness at the attack.

Amid the grief and calls for unity, there has also been strong condemnation of antisemitism and violence. Authorities, including the Australian Prime Minister, have characterized the shooting as an act of terror driven by extremist ideology and have pledged to pursue justice for those affected while strengthening efforts to prevent such violence in the future.

The names and stories of the victims are now being shared publicly as part of that healing process — not only to remember their lives but also to honor the contributions they made to their families, communities, and the world around them. Although the pain of loss is profound, sharing these individual stories has helped many feel connected in their grief and resolve.

As investigations continue and authorities work to gather more details about the attack, the legacy of those who died continues to highlight the human toll of violence and the importance of community resilience. In the face of tragedy, the stories of the victims serve as reminders of the value of compassion, unity, and hope, even in the darkest moments.