Families mourn loved ones lost in Bondi Beach attack as investigators identify father-son attackers and ISIS inspiration

The Bondi Beach attack that struck during a Hanukkah celebration left at least 15 people dead, authorities said, with investigators identifying the gunmen as a father and his son. The father was killed at the scene, while the son was shot by police and is in custody after receiving medical treatment. Police said the assault appeared to be inspired by ISIS, adding that authorities are pursuing the full scope of the attack and its motive as they review surveillance footage and interview witnesses.

Marika Pogany, 82, was one of the victims. Pogany, who had moved to Australia in 1968 from Czechoslovakia and became a citizen in 1972, was a longtime volunteer with COA Sydney, a group that supports Jewish seniors. Her family described her as a warm and generous presence who connected with everyone she met, loved family, and found joy in helping others. Her passing is being mourned by friends and community members who recall her kindness and energy. Pogany’s family said that she dedicated herself to serving others and delivering meals, and that her light would continue to shine through those who knew her.

Adam Smyth, 50, was killed while with his wife, Katrina, when they found themselves amid the attack on Bondi Beach. Smyth’s family described him as a generous and kind person whose passions included sports and travel, and who cared deeply for his four children. They recalled their shared life and said that the couple enjoyed time with friends and family and supported each other through life’s ups and downs. The Smyth family also highlighted Adam’s warmth and the enduring bond he shared with his loved ones, underscoring the sense of loss felt within the community.

Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, were a Russian-Jewish couple who confronted one of the gunmen in the moments before the attack escalated, momentarily disarming him before he returned fire. The couple planned to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in January and to celebrate Sofia’s birthday in the days after the attack. The Gurman family described them as deeply devoted to their family and known in the community for their kindness, warmth, and willingness to help others. They lived honest lives, with Boris working as a mechanic and Sofia employed by Australia Post for several years.

Dan Elkayam, 27, a French national, was playing football at Bondi Beach and helping celebrate Hanukkah when the shooting began. Elkayam’s family described him as someone who loved life, traveled the world, and connected with people from many backgrounds. He had competed in the 2022 Maccabiah Games and played for several teams in France and Australia. Elkayam’s family said he was killed because he was Jewish and described him as a kind, joyful person whose smile lit up any room. They stressed the responsibility to carry forward the light he spread and to continue spreading kindness in his name.

Boris Tetleroyd, who was killed in the Bondi Beach attack, was remembered by his family as a gentle man who was loved by his sons Yaakov and Roman and by his wife Svetlana. The Tetleroyd family highlighted his gifts as a musician and his welcoming nature, noting that he touched many lives and left behind a legacy of kindness and warmth that his relatives now strive to honor in his memory.

Alex Kleytman, 87, a Holocaust survivor from Ukraine, was celebrating Hanukkah with his wife when the shooting began. Kleytman’s family described him as a fascinating person of many talents with a resilient spirit who lived a long, full life after enduring hardship in the former Soviet Union. They said he died while protecting his wife and celebrating the Festival of Lights, and his family noted that his memory and stories would endure as a source of light for generations.

The investigation into the Bondi Beach attack continues, with authorities emphasizing that the incident appeared to be motivated by extremist ideology. The surviving suspect faces multiple charges in connection with the attack, including at least 15 counts of murder, and officials said additional charges could be added as the case progresses. Community leaders and law enforcement officials have urged vigilance against anti-Semitic violence and stressed the importance of supporting victims’ families as they cope with an incomprehensible tragedy. The families of the victims bereft by this event have urged their communities to remember the lives lost and to continue standing against hatred, violence, and extremism.