From 10 to 87 Years Old: Those Who Lost Their Lives in the Sydney Attack

Title: From 10 to 87 Years Old: Those Who Lost Their Lives in the Sydney Attack

Content: A 10-year-old girl, two rabbis, a Frenchman, and two Holocaust survivors were among the 15 victims killed on Sunday by two assailants during a gathering for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney.

The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years. While their names have not been disclosed by authorities, 12 individuals have been identified.

A 10-Year-Old Girl

Matilda, age 10, passed away in the hospital. Her aunt reported that her six-year-old sister witnessed the attack. "It was right in front of her, and she saw everything," said Lina Chernykh to Channel Seven.

A French Amateur Footballer

Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old computer engineer living in Australia, amateur footballer, and globetrotter, was the French victim of the attack. He was described by Rockdale Ilinden Football Club in Sydney as "an extremely talented figure and well-liked by his teammates."

An 87-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor

Alex Kleytman, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, was the oldest victim. "We were standing and heard 'boom boom' and everyone fell; at that moment, he was behind me and (...) he crawled because he wanted to stay close to me," his wife Larisa recounted to The Australian newspaper.

Another Holocaust Survivor

Marika Pogany was sitting in the front row of the Hanukkah gathering when the assailants opened fire, according to the website of the Chabad movement, which organized the ceremony. At 82 years old, she had lived in Australia for decades and was honored in 2022 for delivering kosher meals at home for years, the group added.

The One Who Distracted the Terrorist

Reuven Morrison, a 62-year-old businessman from the former USSR who settled in Australia in the 1970s, reportedly tried to distract the shooters. "From what I understand, he jumped as soon as the shooting started. He managed to throw bricks at the terrorist," his daughter Sheina Gutnick told CBS News.

The One Who Protected a Friend

Tibor Weitzen, 78, was killed while protecting a friend at the event, which he attended with his wife and grandchildren.

A Couple of 'Heroes'

Retired couple Boris Gurman and his wife Sofia attempted to stop the assailant Sajid Akram and were the first victims of the shooting. Footage shows Boris Gurman, a 69-year-old retired mechanic, tackling the ground and trying to wrestle the weapon from Sajid Akram. His wife Sofia, 61, rushed to help him. However, the assailant managed to obtain another weapon, with which he shot them both.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the couple as "Australian heroes" on Wednesday.

A Former Policeman

Peter Meagher, a retired police officer and local rugby club member, was on a freelance photography assignment during the festival. "What’s tragic is that he spent time on the front lines as a police officer, and he was shot once retired while practicing his passion, photography," his rugby club, Randwick Rugby, highlighted in a statement. "He was a beloved brother, husband, and uncle, whose kindness, generosity, and love touched everyone who knew him. Our lives are forever changed," his family stated.

A Rabbi and Father of Four

Yaakov Levitan, 39, a rabbi and father of four, was recognized for his service to others, according to the Chabad movement. He founded an initiative helping charities raise funds and was "known for his kindness and hard work in serving others."

The 'Rabbi of Bondi'

At 41 years old, Eli Schlanger, known as the "Rabbi of Bondi," was the leader of the local Chabad community and had helped organize the event. "Anyone who knew him knew he was the best among us," said Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.

An Antidiscrimination Activist

Edith Brutman was an antidiscrimination activist, according to the Jewish community service organization B'nai B'rith NSW, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. A colleague from B'nai B'rith, Ernie Friedlander, remarked: "She was a very intelligent woman, and she was very, very passionate about fighting prejudice and discrimination."