The first funeral for a victim of the Bondi Junction terror attack was held in Sydney on Tuesday, as the Jewish community gathered to mourn Rabbi Eli Schlanger, remembered as a selfless and great leader.
A Community in Mourning
Hundreds of mourners filled the Chevra Kadisha synagogue in the Sydney suburb of Bondi to pay their respects to the 36-year-old rabbi. Schlanger was one of six people killed when 40-year-old Joel Cauchi went on a stabbing rampage at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre on Saturday, 14 December 2024.
Rabbi Schlanger was attacked while shopping with his wife and children. He was remembered by Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, who delivered the eulogy, as a man who dedicated his life to serving others. "He was a great leader, a great teacher, a great friend," Ulman told the congregation.
Tributes to a Selfless Life
The funeral service painted a picture of a man deeply committed to his faith and community. Rabbi Ulman highlighted Schlanger's work as the head of Chabad of Bondi, where he was instrumental in building a vibrant Jewish community centre. He was described as a devoted husband and father to his four young children.
"He was always there for everyone, always with a smile, always with a kind word," Ulman said. The rabbi emphasised that Schlanger's legacy was one of love, kindness, and unwavering faith, even in the face of a senseless act of violence.
Ongoing Investigation and National Grief
The attack, which also left 12 people injured, is being treated as a terrorist incident by Australian authorities. The assailant, Joel Cauchi, was shot and killed at the scene by a lone police officer, Inspector Amy Scott.
As the investigation led by the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team continues, the nation remains in a state of shock. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other leaders have expressed their condolences to all the victims' families. The funeral for Rabbi Schlanger marks the beginning of a painful series of farewells for the other victims, whose identities have also been made public.
The community has established a fund to support Rabbi Schlanger's widow and children, with an outpouring of donations reflecting the high esteem in which he was held. This tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about community safety and cohesion in Australia.
