The first funerals have been held in Australia for victims of the mass shooting that took place on Bondi Beach on Sunday, an attack that claimed 15 lives and left the nation in mourning.
Mourners gathered to pay their final respects to British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of those killed in the attack. Emotional scenes unfolded as grieving family members and community members sobbed outside the funeral venue while the coffin was carried inside. Police officers stood in salute as the procession passed.
Rabbi Schlanger was remembered as a deeply spiritual and compassionate individual. One rabbi described him as someone who “towered above as one of the highest and holiest souls,” highlighting the profound impact he had on those around him.
Another funeral for Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, also among the victims, is scheduled to take place later today.
Health authorities confirmed that 21 people remain hospitalised across Sydney following the attack, with one person reported to be in critical condition. The family of one of the two injured police officers said he has lost vision in one eye as a result of the incident.
The surviving suspect, Naveed Akram, is reportedly out of a coma but remains in hospital. The second suspect, identified as his father Sajid Akram, died at the scene of the attack.
The shooting, which targeted a Hanukkah event, has been described by officials as an act of antisemitic terrorism and has drawn international condemnation.

