Rabbi Who Commemorated Mumbai 26/11 Victims Killed In Sydney's Bondi Beach Terror Attack

Last Updated:December 15, 2025, 16:36 IST

Only one week ago, rabbi Eli Schlanger organised a commemoration for the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, honouring Chabad emissaries rabbis Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg, who were victims

Rabbi Eli Schlanger was one of the 15 victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia's Sydney. (Image: @GlobalRabbi/X)

A 41-year-old rabbi, identified as Eli Schlanger, was one of the 15 victims of the terror attack at Bondi Beach in Australia’s Sydney. He is the same individual, who, a week ago, organised a memorial to honour victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

Eli Schlanger was among the 12 members of the Jewish community killed in the terror attack, which unfolded during the ‘Hanukkah by the Sea’ celebration marking the first day of Hanukkah.

It was Schlanger who helped organise the gathering on Sunday evening (December 14). Only one week ago, he also organised a commemoration for the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, honouring the Chabad emissaries — rabbis Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg — who were killed.

This information was shared on social media platform X, in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of solidarity condemning the terror attack in Sydney. The message requested Modi to join a menorah lighting in Mumbai or Delhi in solidarity.

“Dear Prime Minister @narendramodi Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the Rabbi who organized the Chanukah celebration in Sydney on the Bondi beach was murdered by the terrorist/ along with twelve members of his community. Only one week he ago, Rabbi Schlanger organized a commemoration for the Mumbai Attacks of 2008 honoring Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg and guests. Please join the Menorah lighting at the Gate of India or In Delhi in solidarity. Thank you for your deep solidarity," said a handle identifying as Avraham Berkowitz.

A British-born rabbi, he was a popular figure in the Sydney Jewish community. He served as assistant rabbi at the Chabad of Bondi.

According to the Chabad, Schlanger was a devoted rabbi and chaplain who worked tirelessly “to support Jewish life in the Bondi community". For 18 years, the Schlangers served the Jewish community.

The Chabad said his influence was wide-reaching, extending beyond the synagogue, as he served as chaplain to NSW Corrective Services, NSW Prisoners of War, and at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst.

The rabbi leaves behind his wife, young children, and family. He has five children, having recently become a father for the fifth time when his youngest son was born in October.

His cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, announced the tragedy on social media, describing him as “truly an incredible guy", in a Facebook post.

“My dear cousin, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was murdered in today’s terrorist attack in Sydney. He leaves behind his wife, young children, and family. He was truly an incredible person," he said in the post.

The Chabad said Schlanger will be laid to rest in Jerusalem.

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