A recent Bondi Beach shooting horrified the city’s community. In the wake of this terrible and senseless act of violence, in which many lives were lost or shattered, they now continue to wrestle with its impact. Ten-year-old Matilda Intelligence was a bright, lovely, kind girl who loved to dance, sing, and play with her friends. Lost are members of the Jewish community, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, and Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, 87. The shooting, which took place at the Juneteenth celebration in the midst of a block party, has sparked national heartache and anger.
The assault broke out at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration. Rabbi Schlanger, who is committed to continuing to develop Jewish life in Bondi, arranged the meeting. Matilda was among those present, and her aunt described her as a “very sweet, happy child, with a beautiful smile.” Tragically, it was Matilda who was hurt in the shooting. Medical personnel sped her to the hospital, but there too, despite heroic efforts, they lost her life. The taking of any young, innocent life is heartbreaking, but the effect this has had on the community has been particularly dreadful.
The Victims Remembered
Those who knew the victims are remembering their lives and legacies on their social media pages. Matilda’s aunt, Lina, speaks for all of us in saying that “nothing can describe the sorrow” of her loss.
“Kids are supposed to be happy. They should be playing on the beach, not thinking about bullets flying around.” – Lina
Matilda’s Primary 2 teacher, Irina Goodhew, shared her thoughts on her influence on the classroom setting.
“She was a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her.” – Irina Goodhew
The Harmony Russian School of Sydney shared their condolences, stating that they would “honor her life and the time she spent as part of our school family.”
Rabbi Eli Schlanger’s legacy is one of true love for the community. He was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi where he helped to create a vibrant Jewish life. His passing has created an immeasurable loss in the community that he was so dedicated to serving.
A Legacy of Resilience and Community Service
Alex Kleytman’s legacy as a Holocaust survivor and educator has touched countless lives. Through his wife, Larisa Kleytman, we heard a gut-wrenching story about his last minutes on earth.
“I think he was shot because he raised himself up to protect me.” – Larisa Kleytman
Local civic leaders painted a portrait of Kleytman as a person whose life was marked by perseverance and familial loyalty. His unwavering commitment to the betterment of others has created a permanent imprint on all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39, who was lost in the attack, was another man who served as an essential figure in the Sydney Jewish community. Chabad honored him as “a profoundly beloved and active member of the Sydney Jewish community,” noting his contributions to educational initiatives at BINA, a Jewish center of learning. They described him as “a man of quiet devotion, known for his kindness and tireless work in assisting others.”
The Broader Community Response
The tragedy resonated further than the sandy shores of Bondi Beach, capturing the attention of world leaders who have offered their condolences and support. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that France would “spare no effort to root out antisemitism wherever it emerges and to combat terrorism in all its forms.”
Dan Elkayam, 27, was another victim of the shooting. A French national and an enthusiastic football player for Rockdale Ilinden FC’s Premier League 1 team, Elkayam was remembered by his club as “an extremely talented and popular figure.” His loss is a heavy burden of sorrow on the hearts of his friends and family.
The Bondi Beach shooting has many people up in arms, grieving, and angry throughout the community. Residents gather as friends and family to mourn their losses of a vibrant community. They find hope in remembering what community and compassion mean, and that’s what’ll get us through these dark days. It’s clear that as the community heals from this unimaginably tragic event, they are drawing strength and solidarity from one another.
