Families mourn loved ones lost in Bondi Beach attack as authorities identify ISIS-linked assault
Investigators say a father-and-son duo carried out the Bondi Beach shooting during a Hanukkah celebration, killing at least 15; the father died at the scene, the son was shot by police and faces dozens of charges, including 15 counts of …
SYDNEY — A mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on Sunday left at least 15 people dead, Australian authorities said, as investigators identified the assailants as a father-and-son duo believed to have been inspired by ISIS. The father was killed at the scene; the son was shot by police and remains in hospital, facing dozens of charges, including 15 counts of murder.
Seven families released statements on Thursday identifying their loved ones and describing the lives cut short. Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime volunteer with COA Sydney for Jewish seniors, was described as kind, with a gift for connecting with people and a life devoted to service. "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 family wrote, adding that she "brought joy and energy into every room" and that her light would continue to shine through the family and friends who were blessed to have her. Adam Smyth, 50, a father of four, was killed while walking with his wife Katrina on Bondi Beach; the Smyth family said, "No words can describe the pain of our loss," and noted their shared love of family and travel and of sport, and that Adam was a generous, kind person who will be forever missed. Other victims included Boris and Sofia Gurman, a Russian-Jewish couple who confronted one attacker, briefly disarming him before he turned to kill them; they had planned to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in January and Sofia’s birthday in the days after the attack. Their family recalled them as deeply devoted to family and community. Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national, was playing football at Bondi Beach and celebrating the lighting of the Hanukkah candles when he was killed; his family said he loved life, traveled the world and was known for his gentle, kind nature. They added that his smile could light up any room and that he sought to do good in the world. Boris Tetleroyd was remembered as a gentle man loved by his sons Yaakov and Roman, his wife Svetlana, and extended family; he was described as someone who brought warmth to others and who was gifted in music. Alex Kleytman, 87, a Holocaust survivor from Ukraine, was killed while celebrating Hanukkah with his wife Larisa, also a Holocaust survivor; Kleytman’s family said he was a fascinating, stubborn man who survived World War II and whose legacy included a lifelong commitment to his craft as a civil engineer and his love of books.
The victims’ families emphasized the significance of the lives they lost and the communities they touched. Pogany’s family described her as a devoted volunteer who delivered meals and helped those in need, embodying love in action. Smyth’s relatives recalled his warmth and generosity and the importance he placed on family and sport. Gurman relatives noted Boris’s and Sofia’s willingness to help others and their kindness in the community. Elkayam’s family highlighted his zest for exploration, nature, and connection with people from all walks of life. Tetleroyd’s kin spoke of a gentle, musical presence who left a broad circle of friends. Kleytman’s family emphasized his resilience and his role in protecting his wife during the tragedy.
The attack took place as Hanukkah candles were being lit and as beachgoers gathered for festivities. Police have said the assailants were a father and son who acted in what investigators described as a terrorism-related incident tied to ISIS, and that the father was killed during the confrontation while the son was wounded and subsequently treated in custody. Officials indicated the son faces dozens of charges, including 15 counts of murder, among others related to the assault on civilians.
Authorities identified the suspected attackers as a father-son duo, and they are coordinating with national and international counterterrorism partners to determine the full scope of the plot and any possible accomplices. Investigators have not disclosed a specific target within the Hanukkah gathering, but described the event as a crowded, public celebration that drew residents and visitors from across the region.
The broader community reaction has included vigils, condemnations of terrorism, and renewed calls for unity in the wake of the tragedy. Australian leaders stressed the need to support victims’ families and to bolster security measures at public events while preserving the freedoms and open society that the country upholds. Local Jewish organizations and interfaith groups scheduled gatherings to honor those affected and to reinforce commitments to safety, resilience, and solidarity in the face of violence.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage, witness accounts, and materials recovered at the scene. In Sydney, officials urged the public not to rush to judgment and to wait for formal briefings as they gather more details about the attackers and their stated motivations. The international community has similarly expressed condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirmed commitments to counterterrorism efforts and to protect places of worship and communal life.
As authorities continue to piece together the timeline of events on that Sunday, communities across Australia and around the world search for ways to commemorate the victims, support the bereaved, and reinforce a message of resilience against extremism. The Bondi Beach tragedy stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of public gatherings and the ongoing challenges in global counterterrorism, even as families cling to memories of loved ones who lived with purpose and care for others.
