Rabbi Eli Schlanger remembered as ‘a great leader’ at first funeral for victims of Bondi terror attack | Bondi beach terror attack

Rabbi Eli Schlanger was remembered as “much more than a rabbi” by his congregation at one of the first funerals held for the Bondi terror attack victim.

At a ceremony Wednesday attended by friends, family, members of the Jewish community and politicians, Schlanger, 41, was described as “a force” who died “doing what he loved most.”

Rabbi Aron Moss, who opened the service, said Schlanger was “more than a rabbi to his congregation.”

“He was a loving friend of his family. He was not just another member of the family. He was a mentor to his colleagues and friends.”

The London-born rabbi was the first of 15 victims whose names were released following Sunday’s attack on a Jewish community event marking the first night of Hanukkah in Archer Park, near Bondi Beach. Schlanger was a key organizer of the Hanukkah by the Sea event.

The father of five was farewelled at the Chabad of Bondi synagogue in Bondi, where he worked as an assistant rabbi.

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, Schlanger’s father-in-law, said holding the service in a synagogue where funerals are not normally held was a special honor for “a great leader among the Jewish people.”

Ulman addressed the audience, who shed tears about the 41-year-old man who recently became the father of a newborn son. Schlanger, who worked as a rabbi in Bondi for 18 years, is also remembered for his work as a chaplain for Corrective Services NSW.

“No matter what I say today, it will be an understatement of what you mean to everyone, to your family, and to me personally,” Ulman said.

The service was one of several expected to be held Wednesday for victims of Sunday’s attack. NSW premier Chris Minns attended Schlanger’s funeral, as did NSW opposition leader Kellie Sloane.

Wearing a kippah, Minns shook hands with members of the Jewish community outside the building. Wentworth federal member Allegra Spending also joined in, embracing a member of the security staff outside.

Police presence was increased on Wednesday, with much of the street cordoned off and arrivals strictly controlled. Many mourners wearing hats and headscarves came to the ceremony at 11:00 am.

Federal Labor MP for Macnamara Josh Burns and Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon also traveled to attend the meeting. Federal opposition leader Sussan Ley attended along with National Party leader David Littleproud. Former prime minister Scott Morrison was at the ceremony, but prime minister Anthony Albanese did not attend.

Asked on ABC radio whether he planned to attend funerals for the victims on Wednesday, Albanese said his “thoughts and the thoughts of all Australians are with those who are saying goodbye to their loved ones today” but declined to say whether he would attend.

“I attend anything I’m invited to. These are funerals for people to say goodbye to their loved ones,” he said.

There were emotional moments in the synagogue. Speaking in tears, Ulman addressed his son-in-law and said, “It is unthinkable for us to talk about you in the past tense.”

“When he had to say something to the crowd and they came up to him and said, ‘Eli, what do you think about these deaths?’ “Not being able to say that is unthinkable for me.”

Prayers were read in both Hebrew and English by different rabbis. The room was packed, there were many people standing.

Outside, about a hundred people who arrived later waited or watched the ceremony via livestream, while others prayed with tefillin, small boxes containing scrolls of Torah verses worn on leather straps. Afterward, the procession featuring the rabbi’s casket was led by a Department of Corrections officer, followed by funeralgoers singing along in Hebrew.

Speaking about Sunday’s attack during the service, Ulman said Sydney’s Jewish community was also suffering from what happened on October 7. He listed some of the known victims, including 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the terrorist attack.

“So much pain, so much tragedy. What about the people who are still in the hospital and recovering?”

Ulman concluded the service by saying that this Sunday, a group of rabbis from Bondi and the Jewish community will meet again on the beach and light eight candles.

“We will show the world that the Jewish people are invincible.”

• Support in Australia is available at: Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 and grief line Call 1300 845 745. charity in the United Kingdom Mind You can be reached on 0300 123 3393. Other international helplines can be reached at: befrienders.org