Holocaust survivor, heroes, a 10-year-old girl: The 15 people killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack

Grief-stricken families of those killed in the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach have paid tribute to the victims with moving and heartbreaking messages of reflection, as the identity of the final victim was today confirmed.

A 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, a former police officer, a French footballer, a lifelong volunteer, a loving father and a Bondi local are among the 15 people who were gunned down in the shooting.

Dozens more were injured when Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly fired dozens of shots targeting Jewish people celebrating the first day of Hanukkah on Sunday evening.Fourteen of the victims of the Bondi attack (clockwise from top left): Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Dan Elkayam, Matilda, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Boris and Sofia Gurman, Edith Brutman, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Marika Pogany, Peter Meagher, Alex Kleytman, Tibor Weitzen, Reuven Morrison. (Supplied)Seventeen people remain in several hospitals around Sydney in conditions ranging from stable to critical as of 8am today, according to NSW Health.Ahmed El-Ahmed, the hero bystander who helped disarm one of the gunmen, is among the injured recovering at St George Hospital.

Here is what we know about the victims so far. 

Fourteen have been named, with the identity of the final victim not yet known.

Tania Tretiak – Randwick grandmother

Randwick grandmother Tania Tretiak, 68, is the 15th and final victim of the massacre to be identified. 

Tretiak was celebrating Hanukkah with family at the Bondi event when she was tragically gunned down, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Bondi shooting victim Tania Tretiak was celebrating Hanukkah with family when she lost her life. (Supplied)

Adam Smyth – Bondi local

Bondi resident and father-of-four Adam Smyth, 50, was walking with his wife Katrina when he was shot and killed in Bondi.

Smyth’s family sadly confirmed he died at the scene.

“We are all trying to come to terms with the senseless shooting, of which Adam was a victim,” his family said in a statement.

“No words can describe the pain of our loss.

“Adam and Katrina were living their best lives together.

“Their shared love of family and friends, travel and sport – if not always the same team – made their time together truly special.”

Adam Smyth’s family sadly confirmed he died at the scene. (Supplied)

Smyth is being remembered for his love of English Premier League, his AFL team the Sydney Swans and NRL’s Manly Sea Eagles.

“We will forever cherish the time we have had with him,” the statement continued.

“Adam was a generous and kind person who will be dearly missed and is forever irreplaceable.”

Smyth was with his wife Katrina were walking when he was killed. (Supplied)

Matilda — 10-year-old girl

The youngest victim has been identified as 10-year-old Matilda.

She smiled for a photo after having her face painted, petted some farm animals and had been enjoying the celebrations with her six-year-old sister on Sunday evening.

But when the gunmen opened fire, she was fatally shot in front of her sister. 

She was rushed to hospital, but could not be saved. 

Her aunt, Lina Chernykh, shared footage of Matilda taken hours before she was killed.

Matilda has been identified as a victim of the Bondi shooting. (GoFundMe/Supplied)

She said the heartbroken family will never recover from their loss.

“A happy kid,” she told 9News.

“She was open-hearted. Everywhere she goes, she was like a sun.”

Matilda has been remembered as a “bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her”, according to her language teacher Irina Goodhew, who has launched a fundraising appeal for her family.

“Yesterday, while celebrating Hanukkah, her young life was tragically taken. Her memory will live on in our hearts,” she wrote on the fundraising site.

Boris and Sofia Gurman – husband and wife 

Boris, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, were a Ukrainian-Jewish couple living in Bondi who were the first victims of the shooting.

Dashcam footage showed Boris disarm him, grabbing the gun like a cricket bat and charging at him while his wife watched on.

But Akram had more than one weapon. He fired and fatally shot the husband and wife.

“They had been married for 34 years, with their 35th wedding anniversary approaching in January,” their family said.

“In just two days’ time, we were meant to celebrate Sofia’s birthday – a moment that now feels incredibly hard to comprehend.”

Boris, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, were a Russian-Jewish couple living in Bondi who were the first victims of the shooting. (Supplied)

The beloved couple’s family said their actions proved the type of people they were.

“While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness. This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were – people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others,” they said in a statement.

His family said the couple were going to celebrate Sofia’s birthday tomorrow and their 35th wedding anniversary in January.

“Boris was a retired mechanic, known for his generosity, quiet strength and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need. Sofia worked at Australia Post and was deeply loved by her colleagues and community,” their family said.

The pair were remembered for living “honest, hardworking lives” and treating everyone with “kindness, warmth and respect”.

Witnesses described Boris as a “hero”.

“He was a hero. He tried, he tried. We need to let his family know,” a witness told 9News.

“Everyone needs to know what he tried, because it was right in the beginning. And he put himself in that face of danger. There were bullets flying already, and he put his self in the face of danger.”

Boris Tetleroyd – loving father

A Soviet immigrant and loving father, Boris Tetleroyd was killed during the Bondi shooting.

Boris and his son were at the event on Sunday. Both were shot.

Tetleroyd did not survive his injuries, while his son is recovering in hospital.

“Boris was loved by everyone he met. He was well known to his neighbours, deeply connected to our wider community, and cherished by his family,” his family said.

“He was profoundly loved and adored by his sons Yaakov and Roman and by his wife Svetlana.

“He is also deeply loved by his brother, aunt, nieces, nephews, cousins and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

He is also being remembered as a gentle person, a gifted musician and a valued member of his community.

“We honour his life and the love he so generously gave to those around him,” the statement added.

Boris Tetleroyd was “loved by everyone he met”. (Supplied)

His niece has set up a fundraiser, and said the family is grieving his “sudden and violent” loss.

He is also survived by his wife.

Social media posts show Tetleroyd as a nature lover, who shared photos of animals he encountered on bushwalks.

Edith Brutman — community service worker

Edith Brutman was a devoted member of the Jewish community who was killed while attending Sunday’s event.

She was the vice president of B’nai B’rith NSW, the state’s branch of the international Jewish community service organisation.

Edith Brutman has been named as a victim of the Bondi shootings. (Supplied)

President of the Alfred Dreyfus Unit at B’nai B’rith, Ernie Friedlander, told The Sydney Morning Herald she was a “good, caring human being”.

“She was a very clever lady, and she was very, very passionate about dealing with prejudice and discrimination. She was always there, and she had very strong opinions,” he said.

Alex Kleytman — Holocaust survivor

Alex Kleytman was an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who died in the Bondi attack, according to Chabad, a US-based global Hasidic Jewish organisation that hosted the Hanukkah event at Bondi.

He is the oldest known victim of the shooting.

He had survived the genocide with his mother and younger brother in Siberia before he and his wife, Larisa Kleytman, migrated to Australia from Ukraine.

They had been married for nearly 60 years.

Alex Kleytman died in the shooting and is being remembered for his extraordinary life. (Supplied)

“He was a fascinating person of many talents and an unwavering spirit,” his family said.

“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.”

His family said he retired at age 76 and went on to become a lobbyist, before finding his passion in writing books.

Alex and his wife Larisa had been married for 60 years. (Supplied)

But most of all, they said, he loved Larisa.

“He loved his wife, Larisa, with unparalleled passion, the kind you only see in the movies,” his family said.

“He and Mum loved to dance and were quite good, winning a dancing competition at work.

“The two gunmen killed him, but his memories, his legacy, and his books will bring light for generations to come.”

Peter Meagher — former police officer

Peter Meagher, a former police officer and Randwick Rugby volunteer and manager, was working as a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event when he was shot.

His family said he was a member of the NSW Police Force for 35 years, rising to the position of detective sergeant and retired in 2020.

“Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter,” the family said in a statement released through police.

“He was a cherished brother, husband and uncle whose kindness, generosity and love touched everyone who knew him.

Peter Meagher was a former police officer and Randwick Rugby volunteer and manager. (Randwick Rugby)

“We are grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and the community.

“As we begin to come to terms with what has happened, we ask for privacy and the space to mourn together as a family.

“We also ask that the media respect our wishes and remember Peter for the life he lived, not for the way it ended.

“In retirement he became a freelance photographer and was on assignment in Bondi on Sunday to photograph the Chanukah celebration.

“Peter also spent countless hours doing volunteer work in retirement including in various roles for his beloved Randwick Rugby Union Football Club.

Peter’s family has urged people to remember him for the life he lived. (Supplied)

“The tragic irony that Peter spent so long in the dangerous front line as a police officer and was struck down in retirement while pursuing his passion for taking photos is hard for us to comprehend.

“Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.”

Randwick Rugby said Meagher had worked as a long-time referee before spending much of the last decade as a first-grade manager and volunteer for Randwick Rugby.

His club said news of his death has hit the players, coaches, managers, volunteers and supporters “extremely hard”.

“‘Marzo’, as he was universally known, was a much-loved figure and absolute legend in our club, with decades of voluntary involvement, he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby,” the club said.

“Rest in Peace ‘Marzo’ – we all love you and will miss you greatly. We are devastated.”

He was captured on footage throwing bricks at Sajid after he was disarmed by local hero Ahmed Al Ahmed.

His daughter, Sheina Gutnick, said it was only fitting that her father died while trying to save lives.

Reuven Morrison was a member of the Jewish community. (Supplied)

“From my sources and understanding, he had jumped up the second the shooting started. He managed to throw bricks at the terrorist,” she told CBS News.

“He was screaming at the terrorist, and protecting his community, he was shot dead.

“If there was one way for him to go on this earth, it would be fighting a terrorist. There was no other way he would be taken from us. He went down fighting, protecting the people he loved most.”

Gutnick said her father migrated to Australia believing he would be safe.

Eli Schlanger was a rabbi, father of five and chaplain for Corrective Services NSW.

The 41-year-old, who welcomed his newborn baby just six weeks ago, helped organise the Hanukkah event when he was shot dead.

His brother-in-law, rabbi Mendel Kastel, said their “family is broken”, while his cousin, Zalman Lewis, remembered him as a “truly an incredible guy”.

Rabbi Menachem Dadon, whose daughter was shot but survived, said he had held Schlanger as he died.

Eli Schlanger was a rabbi and father. (Instagram)

Alex Ryvchin, of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said Schlanger was the “best of us”.

“This was a man who got up every morning with the purpose of doing good. That’s all he did,” he said.

“He drove around, and he gave things to charity, and he fed the needy. And he visited prisoners in prisons. And he just lived to do good things.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon said Schlanger was a “valued member” and was “devoted to supporting others with compassion and dignity”.

“His loss will be felt by many. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the broader Jewish community during this immensely painful time,” he said.

Yaakov Levitan was a rabbi, a father and an active member of the Jewish community who lost his life celebrating the first day of Hanukkah.

He served as general manager of Chabad of Bondi, secretary of the Sydney Beth Din centre and a key figure in educational initiatives at the BINA Centre.

He has been remembered as a “profoundly beloved and active member of the Sydney Jewish community” and the “cornerstone of his family”.

“He was a man of quiet devotion, known for his kindness and tireless work in assisting others, including his commitment to distributing tefillin as a sacred act of service,” according to a fundraising page set up to raise money for his family

“His senseless murder has left an irreplaceable void.”

Marika Pogany — lifelong volunteer

Marika Pogany, who moved to Australia from the former Czechoslovakia in 1968, was sitting in the front row of the Hanukkah event when she was fatally shot.

She became an Australian citizen in 1972 where she “embraced her life as an Aussie from that point on”, her family said.

Marika Pogany was an avid volunteer. (Supplied)

The 82-year-old was a decade-long volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Coa Sydney, an organisation providing community services to elderly Jewish people.

“She had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people. Her kindness, laughter, and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone she met, and her incredible network of friends was a true reflection of the love and loyalty she inspired,” her family said in a statement.

“Though she is gone, her light will continue to shine brightly through the family and friends who were so blessed to have her in their lives.”

She won an award for service to her community after she delivered more than 12,000 kosher meals.

COA Sydney said she was the “beating heart” of the organisation and a “source of warmth for thousands of people”.

”She lifted the room simply by being in it,” the organisation said in a statement.

“She asked for nothing and gave everything. She showed us what true service looks like and she did it without fanfare and without ever wanting attention.

“We are shattered by her loss. Marika gave real love to this community and her impact runs deep.

“May all those that knew Marika and had the blessing to be touched by her, be comforted and consoled by the memories of a truly remarkable and wonderful woman.”

Her friends told 9News of decades of friendship, saying she was an “amazing person” and they were “very fond of her”.

Tibor Weitzen — great-grandfather

Tibor Weitzen was a 78-year-old great-grandfather who had reportedly gone to the event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah with his wife and grandchildren.

He died shielding a family friend who also lost her life.

His granddaughter told 9News her family is “shattered” by his death.

Tibor Weitzen was a beloved great-grandfather. (Chabad)

“Just devastating. Honestly, I’ve got no words,” she said.

“And we were just yesterday with him. We had coffee at Bondi Junction with him yesterday. I didn’t know this was going to be, you know, the last day.”

Dan Elkayam — French engineer

Dan Elkayam was a 27-year-old engineer from France who had moved to Australia.

His family said he was shot in the back while trying to escape the gunfire.

“He was murdered because he was Jewish,” Elkayam’s family said.

“He leaves behind his partner in Australia, as well as his parents, brothers, nieces, and nephews in Paris, France, where he was born and raised.

“He was deeply proud of his community back home in Le Bourget.”

Elkayam’s family remembered him as someone who loved life “fully and intensely”.

“He travelled the world and was known for his gentle, kind, fun and loving nature, making friends wherever he went,” they said.

“Dan brought light wherever he went and inspired countless people through the way he lived. His smile could light up any room.

“He was pure joy – a beautiful and humble soul.”

Dan Elkayam was a French national who moved to Australia to work. (Rockdale Ilenden FC/Facebook)

French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to him after he was killed at Bondi and offered his thoughts to his family.

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of our compatriot Dan Elkayam in the anti-Semitic terrorist attack in Sydney,” he said in a statement on X.

“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and I express to them the full solidarity of the nation.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the country was mourning with Elkayam, and described the shooting as “despicable”.

His partner, Krystal, is “navigating profound grief while suddenly having to face life on her own”, according to a fundraising site set up by her friends.

The fundraising site has raised almost $28,000 for her.

The top donation was from the south Sydney football club Elkayam played for, Rockdale Ilinden Football Club, of $2500.

Elkayam was a member and player for the team’s premier league one team.

The club said it was in “extreme shock and sadness” over the “horrendous, tragic and senseless events”.

“Dan was an integral member of our PL1 Squad in 2025, who was an extremely talented and popular figure amongst teammates,” the club said.

“Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Dan’s family, friends and all that knew him. He will be missed.”

If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi there is support available.

To contact Lifeline Australia, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.

For people under 25 years old, you can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800.

Both of these are available on a 24/7 basis.

If you wish to donate blood, you can find your nearest donor centre here.