Live updates: ‘Generous, kind’ local identified as shooting victim; Families release touching statements; Prime Minister announces major reforms; Youngest victim Matilda farewelled; Alleged gunman charged with 15 counts of murder
Alex Kleytman was murdered on Sunday, 14.12.2025. He was a fascinating person of many talents and an unwavering spirit. He was also very stubborn!! Born in 1938, he survived the hardships of World War II in frozen Siberia, carrying with him a lifetime of extraordinary stories of resilience, survival, and unexpected luck. He worked as a civil engineer and estimator his entire life, first in the former Soviet Union and then in Australia. He retired in Australia at 76 and worked on many essential projects at Transfield and John Holland, including the Desalination plant, the Olympic stadium, and various highways. He was very valued at his work, and we received many emails and photographs from his colleagues during these dark times.
A former colleague described Alex as, “a talented engineer by training, Alex became one of the founding members of what became John Holland Water and was an instrumental part of this business, which developed into the most successful water infrastructure delivering company in Australia.”
After he retired, he first became a lobbyist, passionately advocating against some aspects of the Sydney Light Rail. Then he found his real passion: writing books about the lives of Jewish people in the Soviet Union. He published two books: Relay of Memory: Known and Unknown Jews, and Stalin’s Bloody Five-Year Plan 1948-1953 (the latter was co-authored with my mum, Larisa). These books, grounded in thorough research, were embraced by the community and presented at many public events.
He played table tennis and chess with passion and enthusiasm throughout his life and was a school champion. He loved his wife, Larisa, with unparalleled passion, the kind you only see in the movies. He and Mum loved to dance and were quite good, winning a dancing competition at work. Alex discovered Judaism in his 50s and became observant after immigrating to Australia, where he married Larisa AGAIN on the 25th anniversary of their civil wedding, but this time according to Jewish law. Equally, he cherished Australia, the Australian way of life, the freedom, democracy, people, all of it. In his presence, no one could ever criticise anything about his beloved new home.
Alex tragically died on 14 December 2025, doing what he loved most: protecting Larisa, standing proudly as a Jew, and celebrating the Festival of Lights. The two gunmen killed him, but his memories, his legacy, and his books will bring light for generations to come. He’s survived by his wife, two children and 11 grandchildren. Loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and a passionate professional across many fields, you touched so many lives. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
