A tragic mass shooting in Bondi has claimed the life of a beloved rabbi, who was instrumental in organizing a Hanukkah celebration.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, aged 41, has been identified among the 16 victims of the attack. His identity was confirmed by the official X account of the Hasidic Jewish movement Chabad, as well as by his cousin, Zalman Lewis, on Instagram.

According to Chabad.org, Rabbi Schlanger served as an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi.

He played a key role in planning the “Chanukah by the Sea” event, which marked the beginning of Hanukkah and became a target for two gunmen.

In a poignant message, the rabbi had previously remarked that in times of darkness, one should “be more Jewish, act more Jewish, and appear more Jewish.”

His cousin Lewis described Rabbi Schlanger as “truly an incredible guy,” highlighting the profound impact he had on those around him.

Alex Ryvchin, of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told 9News overnight he left behind a wife and young children.

“One of my colleagues was there and he’s wounded and he’s in hospital at the moment. I’ve just heard that again.

“A friend has lost his 12 year old daughter, who succumbed to her wounds in hospital.”

Chabad is an international movement of ultra-Orthodox Judaism known for its public candle lightings in communities across the world.

Chabad.org also named two other victims: Reuven Morrison, a member of the Chabad community; and Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor.

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