At least 12 people were targeted when two gunmen opened fire on the Archer Park area of the popular beach at 6.47pm local time on Sunday (December 14).
The attack has been declared a terrorist incident targeting a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights, also known as Chanukah, New South Wales Police confirmed.
Eli Schlanger, who was assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, was the first victim to be identified.
The father-of-five grew up in Temple Fortune and had family members at Kinloss Synagogue in Finchley, according to Jewish News.
The 41-year-old and his wife, Chayala, celebrated the birth of their youngest child, a boy, two months ago.
His cousin Rabbi Zalman Lewis told Jewish News: “How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?
“We can only respond by doing what Eli would have wanted, what he dedicated his life to – doing more mitzvot and to keep spreading positive energy.”
In a message to the people of Australia, the King said he was “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack”.
Charles, who visited Bondi Beach in 2012, said in a statement: “My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community.
“We commend the police, emergency services and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.
“In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
The older of the gunmen, a 50-year-old man, was shot by police and died at the scene while his 24-year-old son suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.
A total of 42 people were taken to hospital where the 10-year-old girl was among those who died, the force said.
There were 14 people who died at the scene, with the girl and a 40-year-old man dying in hospital.
