A note on a life lived as a beacon for others: Rabbi Eli Schlanger, at just 41, is remembered not merely as a rabbi but as a force within his community. His funeral—one of the first to honor a victim of the Bondi terror attack—drew friends, family, Jews from across the community, and political figures, all gathered to celebrate a man who devoted himself to others and to the work he loved.
Rabbi Aron Moss opened the service by affirming that Schlanger was more than a religious leader to his congregants. He described him as a loving presence in his family, a mentor to colleagues and friends, and a trusted guide who touched many lives beyond the pulpit.
Born in London, Schlanger served as an assistant rabbi at the Chabad of Bondi for 18 years and was a principal organizer of the Chanukah by the Sea event. He leaves behind his wife and five children, and a newborn son whom he had recently welcomed into the world. In addition to his rabbinical duties, he volunteered as a chaplain with Corrective Services NSW, illustrating a life spent meeting people where they were and offering support in difficult moments.
Schlanger’s father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, spoke through tears about the special meaning of holding the service in a synagogue—normally a place not used for funerals—calling Schlanger a great leader among the Jewish people. Ulman emphasized that words feel insufficient to capture Schlanger’s impact on his family and community.
The service occurred amid heightened security and a tightly controlled street, with many attendees wearing hats or head coverings as a sign of respect. It was attended by notable figures including NSW Premier Chris Minns, who wore a kippah and greeted mourners, as well as Members of Parliament from both major parties and international guests such as Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon. Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison also attended; Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not appear, though he expressed sympathy publicly and indicated he would participate in future funerals if invited.
Inside the synagogue, Schlanger’s family gathered to remember him. Ulman spoke of the unimaginable task of speaking about someone he admired in the past tense and lamented not being able to turn to Eli for guidance in the wake of these losses. Prayers in Hebrew and English were recited by different rabbis as the room filled with supporters who stood in quiet reflection.
Outside, mourners continued arriving and others watched via livestream, some praying with tefillin—small leather boxes containing Torah scrolls—to honor the occasion. The coffin procession was led by a Correctional Services guard, and the crowd joined in singing psalms and prayers in Hebrew as the ceremony carried forward.
Reflecting on Sunday’s attack, Ulman connected the Bondi tragedy to a broader pattern of grief experienced by Sydney’s Jewish community, noting the loss of young Matilda, among others, and acknowledging the ongoing pain of those still hospitalized or recovering. He closed by announcing a communal gathering planned for the upcoming Sunday on the beach—where eight candles would be lit in memory of the victims—a symbolic reaffirmation that, as he put it, the Jewish people are resilient and enduring.
Support is available for those affected by trauma and grief through various hotlines: Beyond Blue (Australia) at 1300 22 4636, Lifeline at 13 11 14, and Griefline at 1300 845 745; in the UK, Mind offers support at 0300 123 3393. Additional international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
