UPDATE: Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a beloved community leader, was tragically shot and killed during a terrorist attack at the ‘Chanukah by the Sea’ event in Bondi Beach on December 8, 2023. The attack claimed the lives of 16 victims and has left the Australian Jewish community in shock and mourning.
Just weeks before his untimely death, Rabbi Schlanger, 41 years old and a father of five, penned a heartfelt letter to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In this urgent plea, he warned of the rising tide of antisemitism, imploring the leader to take a stand against the growing threat. The letter, now seen as a prophetic warning, expressed his fears for the safety of the Jewish community, stating, “As a rabbi in Sydney, I beg you not to betray the Jewish people and not God himself.”
The rabbi’s loss is deeply personal, especially for his family, as he had just welcomed a newborn son in October. His wife and children are now left to navigate life without him, a devastating blow to a family that had recently celebrated new beginnings.
Witnesses of the attack described a peaceful evening shattered by chaos. Attendees at the family-friendly celebration were seen fleeing the beach as shots rang out. Lawyer Arsen Ostrovsky, who was grazed by a bullet, recounted the horrors: “It was pure evil, just an absolute bloodbath. Bodies strewn everywhere.”
This shooting marks one of the deadliest attacks in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Prime Minister Albanese condemned the violence as an “act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism, that has struck the heart of our nation.” Unfortunately, for the family of Rabbi Schlanger and the other victims, these words come too late, having already paid the ultimate price during what was meant to be a joyous celebration of community.
Rabbi Schlanger was not just a clerical figure; he played a crucial role in the Jewish community as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, where he dedicated 18 years to outreach, education, and community-building. His absence leaves a significant void in Sydney’s Jewish life, as he was a central figure known for fostering connection and support among community members.
The attack’s impact extends beyond the immediate loss of life; it raises urgent questions about safety and security for minority communities in Australia. The emotional toll on the families of the victims is profound, and the community is rallying to support those left behind in the wake of this tragedy.
As authorities continue to investigate the shooting, the focus remains on how to strengthen protections against hate crimes and ensure the safety of all Australians. The community is now faced with the daunting task of healing, as they grapple with the senselessness of the violence that struck their peaceful gathering.
The world watches as the Australian government responds to this heinous act, and the global Jewish community stands in solidarity with those affected. The legacy of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, marked by love and service, will not be forgotten, as calls for justice and remembrance grow louder in the aftermath of this tragedy.
For those who knew him, Rabbi Schlanger was a beacon of hope and resilience, and his loss will reverberate throughout the community for years to come. The urgent need for action against rising antisemitism has never been clearer, and the time for change is now.
