Key Takeaways:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a 41-year-old father of five, was remembered as "much more than a rabbi" to his congregation in a funeral service held at the Chabad of Bondi synagogue.
- Schlanger was a key organiser of the Chanukah by the Sea event, where the terrorist attack occurred, and was described as "a force" who died "doing what he loved best".
- The funeral service was attended by friends, family, members of the Jewish community, and politicians, including the NSW premier, Chris Minns, and the federal opposition leader, Kellie Sloane.
- The service was one of several expected to take place for victims of the attack, and was marked by a heightened police presence and a steady stream of mourners.
- The Jewish community has vowed to show resilience and strength in the face of the attack, with plans to light eight candles on the beach on the following Sunday.
Introduction to the Funeral Service
The funeral service for Rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of the victims of the Bondi terror attack, was a poignant and emotional tribute to a man who was remembered as "much more than a rabbi" to his congregation. The service, held at the Chabad of Bondi synagogue, was attended by friends, family, members of the Jewish community, and politicians, including the NSW premier, Chris Minns, and the federal opposition leader, Kellie Sloane. Rabbi Aron Moss, who began the service, described Schlanger as "a force" who died "doing what he loved best", and said that he was "more than a rabbi to his congregants".
The Life and Legacy of Rabbi Schlanger
Rabbi Schlanger, a 41-year-old father of five, was a key organiser of the Chanukah by the Sea event, where the terrorist attack occurred. He was also a chaplain with Corrective Services NSW, and was remembered for his work with the Jewish community. His father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, said that holding the service in a synagogue, where funerals are not normally held, was a special honour for "a great leader among the Jewish people". Ulman addressed a tearful audience, saying that Schlanger was "a loving friend to his family" and "a mentor to his colleagues and friends".
The Funeral Service and Attendees
The funeral service was marked by a heightened police presence, with much of the street cordoned off and arrivals strictly controlled. A steady stream of mourners wearing hats and head coverings arrived for the 11am service, which was also attended by the federal member for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, and Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon. The federal Labor MP for Macnamara, Josh Burns, and the federal opposition leader, Sussan Ley, were also in attendance, as was the former prime minister Scott Morrison. The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, did not appear to attend, but said in a radio interview that his "thoughts and the thoughts of all Australians are with those farewelling their loved ones today".
The Emotional Scene Inside the Synagogue
The scene inside the synagogue was emotional, with Ulman speaking through tears as he addressed his son-in-law. He said that it was "unthinkable that we talk about you in the past tense", and that he would miss being able to come to Schlanger and ask for his thoughts on important matters. Prayers were read in both Hebrew and English by different rabbis, and the room was packed, with many standing. Outside, about a hundred later arrivals waited, or watched the service via livestream, while others prayed with tefillin, small boxes containing scrolls of Torah verses that are worn on leather straps.
The Procession and the Jewish Community’s Response
After the service, a procession with the rabbi’s coffin was led by a ceremonial Correctional Services guard, and followed by funeral-goers singing in Hebrew. Speaking about Sunday’s attack during the service, Ulman said that Sydney’s Jewish community had suffered its own 7 October, and listed some of the known victims, including 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the terrorist attack. He finished the service by saying that this Sunday, a group of rabbis from Bondi and the Jewish community would meet again on the beach to light eight candles, and that "we’re going to show the world that the Jewish people are unbeatable".
Conclusion and Support
The funeral service for Rabbi Eli Schlanger was a powerful tribute to a man who was deeply loved and respected by his community. The Jewish community has vowed to show resilience and strength in the face of the attack, and to continue to come together to support one another. For those affected by the attack, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and Griefline on 1300 845 745. In the UK, the charity Mind is available on 0300 123 3393, and other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
