The article compiles tributes and memories from the loved ones of the fifteen individuals killed in a terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025. These profiles aim to commemorate their lives.
Boris Tetleroyd (69)
Boris Tetleroyd, who migrated from the Soviet Union in 1989, was a man known for his deep love of music and performing. He played guitar and piano, often singing The Beatles and Russian songs with great passion. Described by family as a disciplined and holy man, he meticulously archived over 100 years of family history.
A former USSR military member, he attributed his detail-oriented nature and discipline to his army service. He worked diligently as a draftsman for Transport for NSW for 30 years and was looking forward to his upcoming retirement. Boris had bravely survived colon cancer in the early 2000s, an experience that prompted him to pursue wellness activities like yoga and meditation. He was a familiar sight, regularly walking the scenic route from Bronte to Maroubra.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger (41)
Rabbi Eli Schlanger was a central figure in his community, deeply involved in organizing "Chanukah by the Sea" for nearly two decades, the very event where he tragically lost his life. He was remembered as a holy man of immense wisdom, often sought for counsel, and an exceptional listener who truly heard others.
Schlanger was a peacemaker within his family and extended his calming influence as a counsellor in the prison system.
He was known for his direct communication style and unwavering confidence. A devout religious scholar of the Torah and a staunch Zionist, he regularly hosted barbecues for Israeli soldiers and frequently toured settlements in the West Bank. Rabbi Schlanger openly opposed the recognition of Palestine as a state by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan (39)
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan and Rabbi Eli Schlanger were the driving forces behind the Chabad of Bondi and the beloved "Chanukah by the Sea" festival. Levitan was described as a man who possessed a unique ability to bring out others’ potential and tirelessly facilitated numerous community initiatives.
His brother-in-law, Rabbi Mordechai Guth, noted that Levitan was manning a hot dog stand at the time of his death, involved in an event designed to strengthen and inspire people. Levitan’s extensive community roles included running the synagogue, organizing meaningful Israel trips, diligently checking Torah scrolls, and making compassionate funeral arrangements. He was widely known for his countless acts of kindness (mitzvah), from helping neighbors with internet cables to establishing tapNgive, a company dedicated to creating convenient donation kiosks. He was considered a central and indispensable figure in Sydney’s Jewish organizations.
Marika Pogany (82)
Marika Pogany, affectionately known as "Omi" to her beloved grandchildren, immigrated to Australia from Czechoslovakia in 1968. She became an Australian citizen four years later and took immense pride in her life in Australia. Her son, Roman Benuska, recalled her as a fierce protector and defender of her loved ones.
Friends often described her as having "Bond girl" looks, a testament to her vibrant spirit. Marika was deeply involved in volunteer work, including Meals on Wheels and Sydney COA, a vital service for Jewish seniors. She was known for her highly organized style in the kitchen, always ready to host. She was described as welcoming and wonderfully social, often inviting many friends for coffee and conversation.
Reuven Morrison (62)
Reuven Morrison, born in the former Soviet Union in 1963, emigrated to Australia at the age of 14, seeking safety and refuge from antisemitism. It was on Bondi Beach where he met his wife, Leah, beginning a lifelong partnership. Morrison built a formidable development empire in Sydney, starting humbly as a locksmith's apprentice and diversifying into various businesses. He and Leah shared one daughter, Sheina.
In 2006, the family moved to Melbourne, but Reuven continued working in Sydney and maintained close ties with the Russian Jewish community. He was a dedicated philanthropist who generously contributed to the construction of the $30 million Chabad synagogue in Bondi, which opened in 2024. Above all, he was devoted to his three grandchildren, constantly emphasizing their rich heritage and identity.
Adam Smyth (50)
Adam Smyth was a devoted father of four children: Harry (27), Matilda (21), Angus (17), and Olivia. He actively participated in his community by coaching junior sports and assisting at schools, clubs, and charities, always giving back. His children fondly recalled his incredible work ethic, exemplified by him riding alongside his son Harry during early morning newspaper deliveries.
Smyth deeply valued effort and participation, particularly in sports, completing multiple marathons, Oxfam Trail events, and triathlons.
He was a passionate supporter of Liverpool and the Sydney Swans and found immense joy in watching his children play sports. His children expressed their heartfelt hope that his life would inspire greater compassion, community awareness, and respect for all individuals.
Tibor Weitzen (78)
Tibor Weitzen, born in the Soviet Union in 1947, embarked on a journey that took him to Israel and then to Australia in the late 1980s. He was a loving father of two, blessed with 11 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Known for his devoted and doting nature, family was undeniably central to him.
For 18 years, Tibor passionately ran "Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe (FREE)," a cherished weekly club for elderly Russian-speaking Jewish community members. He received a well-deserved award in 2015 for his selfless volunteering. At the Bondi Shul, Tibor was affectionately known as the "lolly man," bringing smiles by distributing sweets to children. His daughter Hanna Abesidon described him as a selfless, warm person who consistently advocated for non-judgment and profound compassion.
Matilda Bee Britvan (10)
Matilda Bee Britvan, aged 10, was known for her incredibly bright and joyful spirit that touched everyone around her. Her parents, Michael and Valentyna, who moved from Ukraine to Australia, remembered her as peaceful and kind, loving to sing and dance with her sister.
Matilda was an active and adventurous child who enjoyed rollerblading, acrobatics, and judo, and absolutely loved to travel, exploring new places with enthusiasm. She kept a treasured diary filled with "happy stuff" like her crush and her favorite animal, capybaras. At La Perouse Public School, her classmates lovingly gave her the Indigenous nickname "wuri wuri," meaning "little ray of sunshine." Her favorite subject in school was maths, a testament to her bright and curious mind.
Alex Kleytman (87)
Alex Kleytman provided his family a new life filled with hope by moving them from the Soviet Union to Australia, where he lived for 54 impactful years. Kleytman was a survivor, having endured the Holocaust and a Siberian work camp during World War II. In the USSR, his family were "refuseniks" and were spied on, leading to his wife Larisa losing her teaching job. A chilling death threat after the USSR's collapse finally prompted their migration to Australia.
He was an accomplished engineer, known for his brilliant problem-solving skills, a daredevil, a strong swimmer, a champion table tennis player, a graceful ballroom dancer, and an author. He loved to travel, with Katoomba being a cherished family favorite. Tragically, Kleytman died trying to save his wife of 57 years, Larisa. He meticulously researched and wrote two profound books on the Holocaust and antisemitism, driven by a powerful desire to prevent its recurrence.
Tania Tretiak (68)
Tania Tretiak, born in Chechnya, Russia, and raised in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, bravely migrated to Bondi Beach with her husband Pavel and two children in 1992. Tania, a trained nurse, and Pavel, a tram driver, were together for nearly 50 years. They were described as incredibly brave for leaving their lives behind to build a better future in Australia.
They frequently visited Bondi Beach and greatly enjoyed taking their grandchildren to the "Chanukah by the Sea" event annually. Tania, though not Jewish, warmly embraced Jewish traditions and community events. She and Pavel both worked full-time in community transport, dedicated to assisting elderly and disabled individuals. Tania enjoyed cooking traditional Uzbek cuisine, sharing her culture through food, and loved traveling to new destinations.
Edith Brutman
Edith Brutman was characterized by her family as a principled, gracious, caring, and passionate woman devoted wholeheartedly to her family, community, and the vital fight against discrimination.
Her family stated she "met prejudice with principle, and division with service," embodying her unwavering moral compass.
She was a dedicated member of the NSW branch of B’nai B’rith, an international Jewish organization committed to combatting antisemitism and discrimination, where she led the anti-prejudice and anti-discrimination committee with fervor. Ernie Friedlander, president of the Alfred Dreyfus Unit, described her as a "good, caring human being" with strong opinions and an undeniable passion for her work. Rabbi Yehoram Ulman noted her unique love, loyalty, and devotion, and her profound commitment to charity.
Dan Elkayam (27)
Dan Elkayam, a French national, arrived in Australia in 2022, bringing his vibrant spirit to a new land. He was an IT engineer at NBC Universal, a fervent travel enthusiast, and a passionate footballer who played for Rockdale Ilinden FC’s Premier League side, as well as teams in France and Australia.
His family described him as loving life "fully and intensely," known for his gentle, kind, fun, and loving nature. He was a certified scuba diver and an avid explorer, always seeking new adventures. Friends consistently noted his ready smile and infectious positive outlook. He was playing football and celebrating his Jewish faith on Bondi Beach shortly before his tragic death, embracing the joy of life until the very end.
Boris Gurman (69) and Sofia Gurman (61)
Boris and Sofia Gurman, who were about to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary, were described by their son Alex as brave heroes who confronted an attacker. Alex deeply believes that any positive characteristic he embodies is due to his parents, who took the immense risk of moving to a foreign country with no money or language proficiency, driven by love for their family.
Family was undeniably central to their lives. Sofia was recalled as a "go-to person" with sensible solutions and a natural leader who people instinctively turned to. She cooked diverse cuisines, with her traditional Soviet wafer cake being a beloved family favorite. Boris, a retired mechanic, was a calming and organized presence, known for his beautiful garden and his remarkable ability to connect with people despite language barriers, always finding common ground.
Peter Meagher (61)
Peter Meagher, a former police officer and revered Randwick Rugby coach, was working as a photographer at Bondi Beach when he was killed. His widow, Virginia Wynne-Markham, remembered him as an honorable, thoughtful, generous, and compassionate man whose kindness left a lasting impact.
During his 34 distinguished years with NSW Police, he rose to the rank of detective sergeant but famously avoided ever using his gun, a testament to his peaceful nature. Security footage captured him courageously attempting to assist another individual who was injured during the attack, embodying his selfless spirit. A woman later credited him with saving her life by prompting her to seek cover. Meagher was deeply devoted to Randwick Rugby, tirelessly setting up training and motivating players to achieve their best. He and Virginia met in 2009 and shared a beautiful companionship and a love for similar things. He found immense joy in their chocolate Labrador, Vada, a loyal companion.