- December 18, 2025
- 12:38 pm
- World News
Five days have passed since the attack on the Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney. During the lighting of the first candle, terrorists opened fire on people. 15 people were killed. As the first hours of shock pass, not only the circumstances of the tragedy become clear — the fates emerge. And it is they who speak louder than any reports today.
Sophia and Boris Gurman
They were 61 and 69 years old. Together for 34 years. Relatives remember them as quiet, hardworking people who were always attentive to others.
A recording from a car dashcam captured the moment when Boris attempted to disarm the terrorist Sajid Akram. For a few seconds, he took control of the rifle. It was not enough. Boris and Sophia were shot. Witnesses say they died holding hands.
The family stated:
“They dedicated their lives to family and each other. In the last moments, Boris tried to protect others — just as he always lived.”
Rabbi Eli Schlanger
A native of London, 18 years of service in the Bondi community. Head of the Chabad mission. For parishioners — a rabbi, mentor, support.
He left behind his wife Chaya Ullman Schlanger and young children. The youngest is two months old.
The community simply says:
“Eli lived for people. He carried the Jewish life of Bondi on his shoulders.”
Matilda
She was 10 years old. She came to Hanukkah with her family — and was killed.
Parents, Valentina and Mikhail, moved to Australia from Ukraine. They chose the name Matilda in honor of the first child born in the new country.
The mother said briefly:
“Please, do not forget her name.”
Aunt Lina added:
“When a beloved sister is always there — and suddenly disappears. It is impossible to accept.”
Dan Elkayam
A citizen of France. Moved to Australia last year — to work as an engineer, to build a new life.
Loved football. Played for the club Rockdale Ilinden. The team reported that Dan “left a bright mark and was part of the family.”
Condolences were also expressed by the President of France Emmanuel Macron:
“My thoughts are with his loved ones. France mourns with them.”
Peter Miher
34 years of service in the New South Wales police. After retirement — a volunteer at the Randwick Rugby club.
In the club, he was called “the soul of the team.”
The family said:
“We are devastated. He was a brother, husband, uncle — a person who knew how to care.”
Tibor Uitzen
78 years old. Emigrated from Israel in 1988. Died protecting his loved ones.
Granddaughter Lior recalls:
“He always saw the best in people. And that will stay with us forever.”
Not just a tragedy
These stories are not a list of victims. They are a map of lives that were lived to the fullest and ended in one evening.
Hanukkah is a festival of light. That is why the attack on people at this moment was especially painful. But the memory of them is also light. The kind that does not extinguish.
How the world is reacting to the tragedy in Sydney and why these names are important to know continues to be reported by NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.
