At 6:47pm, Australia paused to remember victims of Bondi Beach shooting

At 6:47pm, one week after the Bondi Beach shootings, Australians have paused, lit a candle and observed a minute's silence for the victims of the terrorist attack.

It targeted members of Australia's Jewish community as they marked the beginning of Hanukkah, and took the lives of 15 people.

One of those killed was Rabbi Eli Schlanger. In mourning the death his cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis recalled that the message of Hanukkah was one of optimism and hope.

"The world is a good place, and it's filled with billions of good people," Rabbi Lewis said in remembrance of his cousin.

"We have to believe that the billions of good acts can dispel the darkness…

"And this is what Eli would be saying."

At 6:47pm, Australians were invited to take a moment, light a candle to dispel the darkness and remember the 15 people killed at Bondi. Their names, stories and legacies are held close by a shaken, grieving community.

Boris and Sofia Gurman

"They were people of deep kindness, quiet strength and unwavering care for others. 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. While nothing can lessen the pain of this loss, we feel immense pride in their courage and humanity." — Family statement

Boris, 69, and Sofia, 61, had been married for 34 years. Their family said the pair lived honest, hard-working lives and treated everyone with kindness. Dashcam footage shows the moment Boris Gurman wrestled with one of the gunmen during the early stages of the attack. Mr Gurman is seen gaining control of the gunman's weapon for several seconds as they struggle on the road.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger

"It is unthinkable that we talk about you in the past tense. Whatever I say today will be an understatement to what you mean to everyone and to your family and to me personally…After what happened [on Sunday], my biggest regret was, apart from the obvious, to tell Eli more often how much we love him, how much I love him, how much we appreciate everything that he does." — Father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman

"A devoted rabbi and chaplain, working tirelessly … to support Jewish life in the Bondi community." — Chabad.org

"The message of Hanukkah is of optimism, of hope, of a good world, of a kind world … the world is a good place, and it's filled with billions of good people. We have to believe that the billions of good acts can dispel the darkness… And this is what Eli would be saying." — First cousin Rabbi Zalman Lewis

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, had served as a rabbi for 18 years and was the head of the Chabad mission in Bondi where he provided support to many people, from the elderly to prisoners. He leaves behind his wife and young children, including a two-month-old baby, as well as his mother and siblings.

Edith Brutman

"Our beloved Edith was a woman of integrity who chose humanity, every day. 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." — Brutman family

Edith Brutman was a loved member of the Sydney Jewish community.

Adam Smyth

"No words can describe the pain of our loss. Adam and Katrina were living their best lives together. Their shared love of family and friends, travel and sport, if not always the same team, made their time together truly special. Adam's loves in life were his English Premier League football team Liverpool, his AFL team the Sydney Swans, the NRL's Manly Sea Eagles and his beloved pets.We will forever cherish the time we have had with him. Adam was a generous and kind person who will be dearly missed and is forever irreplaceable.You'll never walk alone (YNWA)." — Smyth family

Adam Smyth, 50, was a husband to Katrina and father of four. Adam and Katrina were walking at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening when the shooting began.

Boris Tetleroyd

"Boris was loved by everyone he met. He was well known to his neighbours, deeply connected to our wider community, and cherished by his family…

Boris was a gentle man, a gifted musician and a valued member of his community. We honour his life and the love he so generously gave to those around him." — Tetleroyd family

Boris Tetleroyd was at Chanukah by the Sea with his son, Yakov, when he was killed. Yakov was also shot and was hospitalised with serious injuries, according to the family.

Matilda

"She loved the outdoors, animals, she went to school, she had friends, everybody loved her." — Rabbi Yehoram Ulman

"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." — Aunt, Lina

Matilda, 10, was at the Chanukah by the Sea event with her family, including her sister, when she was shot. Matilda's family migrated to Australia from Ukraine to improve their lives.

Marika Pogany

"Marika, known lovingly to all as Omi, was a beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and steadfast friend, whose warmth and energy touched countless lives… Her darling son Romy was her greatest achievement and her world. She had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people. Her kindness, laughter, and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone she met." — Pogany family

"She lifted the room simply by being in it. 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." — COA Sydney

Marika came to Australia in 1968 from Czechoslovakia with her son Romy and her brother Ivan. She became an Australian citizen in 1972 and embraced Aussie life. She was very proud of her country. Marika was a volunteer who delivered Kosher meals on wheels for Jewish senior services provider COA.

Peter Meagher

"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." — Statement from Peter's family

"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." — Randwick Rugby general manager Mark Harrison

Peter Meagher served for 34 years in the NSW Police Force, retiring as a detective sergeant. He was a volunteer and first-grade manager at Randwick Rugby. The club said in a post that its members mourned the tragic loss of "Marzo". He was working as a freelance photographer at Sunday's Hanukkah event.

Dan Elkayam

"Dan loved life, fully and intensely. He travelled the world and was known for his gentle, kind, fun and loving nature, making friends wherever he went. Alongside football, he had a deep connection with nature. He was a certified scuba diver and an explorer at heart… Dan brought light wherever he went … His smile could light up any room. He was pure joy, a beautiful and humble soul. To say that Dan will be missed is not enough. He was a person who truly wanted to do good in the world, to share his love of life and his sense of adventure with everyone around him." — Elkayam family

On the 14th of December 2025, the first night of Hanukkah, Dan was at the beach with his friends for the lighting of the Hanukkah Candles. He was playing football, celebrating the holiday. Dan was shot in the back while trying to run away. He leaves behind his partner in Australia, as well as his parents, brothers, nieces, and nephews in Paris, France, where he was born and raised. He was beginning to build his future in Australia, a country he loved.

Reuven Morrison

"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

Businessman Reuven Morrison, 61, emigrated from the Soviet Union as a teenager in the 1970s and made his home in Bondi. After a 2024 attack on a Melbourne synagogue, he told the ABC he had grown up watching his back and had hoped Australia would be a safe place for Jewish people. Mr Morrison has been identified as the man throwing a brick at one of the gunmen after bystander Ahmed Al Ahmed had wrestled the rifle away.

Tibor Weitzen

"My grandfather was truly the best you could ask for … 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." — Granddaughter Leor Amzalak

"He was the congregation's beloved 'candyman' who brought joy and smiles to everyone." — Chabad.org

Tibor Weitzen, 78, was a father, grandfather and great-grandfather who reportedly died shielding his loved ones. He migrated to Australia from Israel in 1988. His family described him as full of life.

Alexander Kleytman

"He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me." — Wife Larissa Kleytman

"He was a fascinating person of many talents and an unwavering spirit… Born in 1938, he survived the hardships of World War II in frozen Siberia, carrying with him a lifetime of extraordinary stories of resilience, survival, and unexpected luck. Loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and a passionate professional across many fields, you touched so many lives. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten." — Kleytman family

As a child, Alexander Kleytman survived the Holocaust, fighting alongside his mother and younger brother to make it through a harsh Siberian winter. After the war, he moved from Ukraine to Australia to work as a civil engineer. His children and grandchildren were also attending the Bondi Hanukkah celebrations. Alexander's wife Larissa says her husband of 57 years died trying to protect her from the bullets.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan

"When something needed to get done, it was Yaakov. From the big-ticket items to simply taking out the trash —he did it all with his full heart and soul… I used to ask him, 'What time do you come home for dinner?' He said, 'I come home at around 8pm every night.' He was completely given over to the community." — Family friend Avremi Joseph

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39, served as secretary of the Sydney Beth Din and was deeply involved in Chabad operations across the city, according to Chabad.

Tania Tretiak

Tania was a loved member of the Sydney community.

Credits

• Designer: Georgina Piper
• Developer: Ash Kyd
• Reporting: Angus Randall, Katri Uibu, Ruby Ritchie, Tony Ibrahim, Syan Vallance, Patrick Martin, Thomas Morgan, Shannon Corvo, Luke Cooper and Bruce McKenzie
• Video: Teresa Tan
• Producer: Margaret Burin
• Editor: Matt Liddy