Row over Transgender Amendment Bill explained: Why are some opposed to it?The concern raised by activists and members of the transgender community is about how the term “transgender person” has been defined in this new bill. Published on: Mar 18
Fortis Delhi gastroenterologist shares health benefits of ashwagandha, reveals if it causes liver injuryAshwagandha is popularly known as a herbal remedy, but it also has serious side effects, shares Dr Shubham Vatsya. Updated on: Mar 18, 2026 1:45 PM IST By Debapriya Bhattacharya Share via Copy
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Know all about protein powders: Experts explain how to avoid buying fakesMany protein powders on the market are fake or low quality
A Chinese man and his Kenyan associate have been charged with illegally dealing in wildlife species after they were caught trying to smuggle more than 2,000 live queen garden ants out of Kenya. Zhang Kequn was arrested at the international airport in the capital Nairobi last week after authorities
SBI cards has announced revision in the benefits of CASHBACK SBI Credit Card from 1 April 2026. New Delhi: SBI Cards have announced revision in the benefits of Cashback SBI Card. With effect from 1 April 2026, following revisions will be available to your Cashback SBI Card:SBI cards has announced
Ten-year-old girl, Holocaust survivors among victims of Bondi Beach terror attack
Ten-year-old girl, Holocaust survivors among victims of Bondi Beach terror attack
A young girl and Holocaust survivors were among 15 people shot and killed when gunmen opened fire on a Jewish Hanukkah festival gathering on Australia's Bondi Beach a week ago.
The elder gunman, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was killed in a shootout with police.
His 24-year-old son Naveed survived and has been charged on multiple counts including terrorism and 15 murders.
Also Read | Wanted to get attacker down: Indian-origin man who helped restrain Australia's Bondi Beach shooter
These are the 15 shooting victims, aged from 10 to 87:
Ten-year-old Matilda died in hospital after being wounded in the shooting.
"Matilda is our little ray of sunshine," said the rabbi leading her funeral service this week in Sydney, reading a message from her school.
She is genuinely the most kind, caring and compassionate young girl, who brightened everyone's day with her radiant smile and infectious laugh.
The girl's family asked for her surname not to be made public.
Retired mechanic and Bondi local Boris Gurman and his wife, Sofia, tackled Sajid Akram and were among the first victims in the shooting.
Dashcam footage showed Boris Gurman, 69, knocking Akram to the ground and wresting away his gun. His wife Sofia, 61, dashed towards him in support.
But Akram reportedly managed to get another gun, and the couple were shot and killed.
"Boris was a retired mechanic, and Sofia had been working at Australia Post for the past five years. They lived honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone with care and respect," the family said in a statement.
Retired engineer and Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, 87, was the oldest person killed.
"We were standing and suddenly came the 'boom boom', and everybody fell down. At this moment, he was behind me, and at one moment, he decided to go close to me. He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me," his wife, Larisa, told The Australian newspaper.
Alex Kleytman was a native of Ukraine and a Holocaust survivor, according to a website of the Chabad movement, which represents a branch of Hasidic Jews and organised the Bondi event.
"The two gunmen killed him, but his memories, his legacy, and his books will bring light for generations to come," his family said.
Another Holocaust survivor, Marika Pogany, was seated in the front row of the annual Hanukkah event when the gunmen opened fire, Chabad said.
Aged 82, she had lived in Australia for decades and was honoured in 2022 for her work delivering kosher meals on wheels, the group said.
"Her kindness, laughter, and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone she met," her family said in a statement.
Reuven Morrison, reportedly a 62-year-old businessman who migrated from the Soviet Union in the 1970s, has been praised for trying to distract the gunmen.
"From my sources and understanding, he had jumped up the second the shooting started. He managed to throw bricks at the terrorist," his daughter Sheina Gutnick told CBS News in Sydney.
My dear father, Reuven Morrison, was shot dead for being Jewish at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach while protecting lives.
Tibor Weitzen, 78, was killed while protecting a friend at the event, which he had reportedly joined with his wife and grandchildren.
His grandson Mendy Amzalak told The Australian that he had rushed to the scene on the beach as a first responder.
My wife called me, so I ran down to the beach with my defibrillator and the shooting was still going. I started treating people, and then I came across his body. He had been shielding a longtime friend of his wife.
Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old IT engineer, budding amateur footballer and French citizen, was building a new life in Sydney after moving to Australia last year.
"He travelled the world and was known for his gentle, kind, fun and loving nature, making friends wherever he went," his family said.
Sydney's Rockdale Ilinden football club remembered Elkayam as an "extremely talented and popular figure amongst teammates".
Retired police detective-sergeant and local rugby club member Peter Meagher was on a freelance photographic assignment at the Hanukkah festival.
"The tragic irony... that he spent so long in the dangerous front line as a Police Officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos in his passion role is really hard to comprehend," Randwick Rugby said in a statement.
In a statement to Australian media, his family said they were "heartbroken" by his death.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan was a 39-year-old father of four renowned for his work for others, the Chabad movement said.
He founded an initiative helping charities to raise funds and was "known for his kindness and tireless work in assisting others".
The married man had four children aged six to 16, it said.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger -- known as the "Bondi Rabbi" -- was among those killed.
The 41-year-old was a community leader and father of five who helped organise the Bondi Beach gathering.
"Anyone who knew him knew that he was the very best of us," said Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
Schlanger served as a chaplain for the New South Wales correctional service and a major hospital, Chabad said.
Adam Smyth, a 50-year-old father of four and husband to Katrina, was shot and killed.
"Adam and Katrina were walking at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening when they found themselves in the middle of the horrific and devastating attack," his family said in a statement.
Their shared love of family and friends, travel and sport -- if not always the same team -- made their time together truly special.
Anti-discrimination worker Edith Brutman was also among those killed, according to her Jewish community service organisation, B'nai B'rith NSW, cited by the Sydney Morning Herald.
A fellow worker at B'nai B'rith, Ernie Friedlander, told the paper: "She was a very clever lady, and she was very, very passionate about dealing with prejudice and discrimination."
Described as a "warm, generous, and deeply sociable man", Boris Tetleroyd was killed and his son wounded in the attack, according to their family.
"Our beloved husband and father, Boris Tetleroyd, was killed during the attack at the Hanukkah gathering in Bondi. His son, Yakov Tetleroyd, was seriously injured and is currently recovering after multiple surgeries," they said in a statement to Australian media.
Tania Tretiak, a 68-year-old grandmother, was the last person to be identified among the dead.
Tretiak was named by her family, according to Australian public broadcaster ABC. Local media said she was at the Hanukkah event with family.
Published - December 21, 2025 11:22 am IST
Australia / act of terror
Source: TheHindu
Related Posts: Trump’s Immigration Policies Split Republicans After Federal Agent Kills Minneapolis Nurse Hidden costs of cancer for young survivors is derailing their financial futures A 10-year-old girl and Holocaust survivor - Who are the Bondi shooting victims Children, Rabbis And Holocaust Survivor Among 15 Killed In Sydney Bondi Beach Attack New car purchase rates among young people drop to 10-year low in THIS country Young girl’s reaction to India’s World Cup win in fluent English wins internet Worst Since Holocaust 80 Years After Holocaust Anne Frank’s step-sister and Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss dies Misinformation is widespread among young Indians
Travel disruptions continued Tuesday (March 17, 2026) in the U.S. as airlines worked to recover from a powerful storm system that had already snarled flight schedules a day earlier, while the partial government shutdown continued to fuel long lines at security checkpoints
52 minutes ago
Protein has quickly become the nutrient of the moment. From protein milk to protein bars, supermarket shelves are full of products promising more protein in every bite. But long before protein powders became fashionable, Indian kitchens already contained many of the ingredients needed to meet daily
52 minutes ago
Former South African captain Faf du Plessis sees Varun Chakravarthy as key for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming IPL. He suggests Eden Gardens pitches should favor spinners like Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. Cameron Green is also highlighted as a vital player despite his high price tag
52 minutes ago
Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge urged a review of House rules and more sittings for public issue discussions. He stressed increased opposition involvement in lawmaking to strengthen Parliament. Kharge noted that institutions endure as members change
52 minutes ago
NSE and BSE will remain open from March 19–21, 2026, with no trading holidays despite festivals. Check the full March holiday schedule for the Indian stock market. Investors usually keep a close watch on trading holidays, especially during festival-heavy weeks
52 minutes ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Top rated 55 inch TV with 60 Hz refresh rate for movies, sports, and streamingA 55 inch TV with 60 Hz refresh rate remains a reliable choice for everyday viewing
52 minutes ago
Director Bharat Krishnamachari says Swayambhu, starring Nikhil Siddhartha, explores India’s rise to global power just before its golden age, blending history with large-scale action and intense martial arts training. Chennai: Director Bharat Krishnamachari
52 minutes ago
The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has quashed another preventive detention under the Public Safety Act, ruling that there was “no application of mind” by the Bandipora senior superintendent of police and the district magistrate in detaining the petitioner
52 minutes ago
For years, India’s medical tourism story has been framed as a model of global healthcare success—world-class doctors, competitive pricing, and a steady inflow of international patients, particularly from West Asia. But as the Iran–Israel conflict escalates
52 minutes ago
Is Rinku Singh the new KKR captain? Here’s the truth behind Ajinkya Rahane’s future ahead of IPL 2026. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have not officially replaced Ajinkya Rahane as captain ahead of IPL 2026, but the chatter around Rinku Singh taking over is rapidly gaining momentum
52 minutes ago
Exclusive | ‘This is Ranveer Singh’s year’: How Sara Arjun hyped her burger bacha Raghav Sharma about Dhurandhar 2Sara Arjun's ‘burger bacha’ Raghav Sharma reveals what she told him about Dhurandhar 2 while working together on an ad Published on: Mar 18
52 minutes ago
All it takes is an unexpected twist in a simple dance video for the Internet to take notice. A recent clip going viral online is proof. Featuring a father and his 22-year-old daughter, the video has caught widespread attention for all the right reasons, and honestly
52 minutes ago
Assam polls: Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi joins BJPNagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi quits Congress, joins BJP in Delhi; Himanta Biswa Sarma says he may be fielded in Assam Assembly polls Published on: Mar 18, 2026 1:55 PM IST By Utpal Parashar, Guwahati Share via Copy link Lok Sabha MP from Assam’s
52 minutes ago
Iran-US War: India is currently facing a crunch in LPG as several India-bound tankers carrying natural gas from the Gulf nations are being struck at the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow water passage that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea
52 minutes ago
World chess championship runner-up Koneru Humpy has said that, regardless of whether she would play in the Candidates, she felt it was important to express her stance on the unsafe situation in Cyprus due to the war in the Middle East. Humpy remains undecided about competing in this month’s
52 minutes ago
Dhurandhar 2 review: Ram Gopal Varma lauds the Aditya Dhar directorial on social media, compares it to SholayAhead of its release, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has already created a storm, with Ram Gopal Varma’s bold first reaction setting expectations sky-high Published on: Mar 18
52 minutes ago
CM Yogi Adityanath announced that the state government will work to transform Uttar Pradesh into a USD 1 trillion economy by the 2029-30 financial year. LUCKNOW: Marking nine years of the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday credited Prime Minister
52 minutes ago
The Election Commission has reshuffled top police officials in West Bengal. BJP leader Rahul Sinha supports this move, calling it a way to ensure fair elections. He alleges Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had appointed loyalists to the police force
52 minutes ago
NSE is said to set modest fee for its $2.5 billion IPO at just 0.65%The modest fee for the NSE IPO underscores a trend where banks accept token fees in exchange for the prestige that comes with marquee mandates. Updated on: Mar 18, 2026 1:01 PM IST Bloomberg Share via Copy link The National Stock
52 minutes ago
Gudi Padwa 2026 will be celebrated on March 19, marking the beginning of the Marathi New Year with joy and positivity. Check the correct date, puja timings, Gudi hoisting rituals, and the festival’s significance. Gudi Padwa is an important festival that marks the beginning of the Marathi New Year
52 minutes ago
West Asia war: South Korea will receive an additional 18 million barrels of oil from the United Arab Emirates. This move aims to secure supplies as the Iran war disrupts global oil routes. About 70 percent of South Korea's crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz
52 minutes ago
Shimla, Mar 18 (PTI) A married couple was arrested with 21.01 grams of ‘chitta’ (adulterated heroin) from a hotel in Sundernagar in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, police said on Wednesday. The accused, identified as Arun Bhatti and Parul Guleria
52 minutes ago
Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi has resigned from the party just weeks before the Assam Assembly elections. His departure has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which claims it highlights the Congress's declining influence. Congress leaders expressed disappointment
52 minutes ago
PNB has asked inoperative account holders to submit their KYC on or before 15 April 2026, to ensure that their accounts are not closed. New Delhi: Public sector lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) has issued notice regarding closure of dormant/inoperative accounts. The Bank said
52 minutes ago
BMW M2 CS: The new BMW M2 CS has officially been launched in India. This high-performance coupe will be sold as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) model and will be available in limited numbers. BMW M2 CS launched in India: The new BMW M2 CS has officially been launched in India
52 minutes ago
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has directed all airlines to ensure that at least 60% of seats on every flight are allocated free of charge. The move is aimed at ensuring “fair access”, the Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday (March 18, 2026)
52 minutes ago
The Union government on Wednesday directed airlines to allocate a minimum of 60% seats on every flight without seat selection charges to ensure fair access. The orders issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation also require that passengers travelling
52 minutes ago
![Geneva [Switzerland], March 18 (ANI): Pashtun human rights defender Fazlur Rahman Afridi, speaking on the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/pashtun-activist-slams-pakistan-military-at-unhrc-over-human-rights-ab.webp?width=120&height=70)
