Australia holds its first funerals for Bondi shooting victims as grief deepens nationwide

Australia has begun laying to rest the victims of the mass shooting that tore through Bondi Beach, as the first funerals were held amid scenes of raw grief, silence and disbelief.

Mourners gathered to honour British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of the 15 people killed in Sunday’s attack, which targeted a Hanukkah event near the beachfront. Outside the funeral, crowds stood shoulder to shoulder, many in tears, as the rabbi’s coffin was wheeled inside. Police officers lined the path and saluted as it passed, a solemn tribute to a life lost in what many have described as an act of unspeakable violence.

Inside, religious leaders spoke of Rabbi Schlanger as a towering presence within his community. One rabbi told mourners he “towered above as one of the highest and holiest souls”, a man devoted to faith, family and service. The words echoed through a congregation struggling to comprehend how a moment of celebration turned into tragedy.

Another funeral is due to take place later today for Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, also killed in the attack. His death, alongside so many others, has left families shattered and communities reeling.

Across Sydney, flags have flown at half-mast as the scale of the loss continues to sink in. Health authorities say 21 people remain in hospitals, with one patient still in critical condition. Doctors and nurses are continuing round-the-clock care for survivors whose lives were changed in seconds.

Among the injured are two police officers who responded to the attack. The family of one officer has confirmed he has lost vision in one eye, a permanent injury sustained while trying to protect others. The update has deepened public admiration for emergency responders who ran towards danger as chaos unfolded.

More names of the victims have emerged as families share their stories. Boris Tetleroyd, the 13th victim to be formally identified, was attending the Hanukkah event with his son when both were shot. Tetleroyd died at the scene. His son survived and remains in hospital recovering from his injuries.

In a message shared by the family, his niece described the devastation left behind. Tetleroyd was a husband, a father and the primary provider for his family. His wife now faces life as a widow, while his injured son begins a long road to recovery without his father by his side.

As funerals begin, the investigation into the attack continues. Police say the surviving suspect, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, has emerged from a coma but remains in hospital. Officers are waiting for medication to wear off before formally questioning him, ensuring he is medically fit and able to understand the process.

His father, Sajid Akram, 50, who police identified as the second gunman, died at the scene of the attack. Authorities have said they are proceeding cautiously as they gather evidence, analyse materials recovered from vehicles linked to the suspects and piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

The emotional impact has spread far beyond the immediate families. Vigils have sprung up along Bondi Beach, with flowers, candles and handwritten notes covering pavements and railings. Locals and visitors alike have paused to reflect, many struggling to reconcile the violence with a place known for sunshine, surf and community.

In response to the tragedy, New Year’s Eve events planned for Bondi Beach have been cancelled. Local authorities said the decision was taken “due to the current situation on the ground”, acknowledging the need for space, reflection and respect for those grieving.

As Australia enters this period of mourning, the funerals mark only the beginning of a long journey for families and communities left behind. The salutes, prayers and tears are reminders of lives cut short and the enduring pain of a day that changed Bondi Beach forever.