Grief and Anger at Rabbi Schlanger's Funeral: A Community in Mourning

The Community Grieves

On Wednesday morning, the Chabad of Bondi synagogue became a poignant gathering place for hundreds of mourners, their faces etched with grief as they remembered Rabbi Eli Schlanger, brutally slain in a mass shooting that rattled the very core of Sydney's Jewish community. This tragedy unfolded during a Hanukkah celebration, leaving behind a community reeling from loss and anger.

Attendees filed into the packed synagogue, while others waited outside, guarded by dozens of police officers, reflecting the heightened fear that now permeates everyday life. Rabbi Schlanger, 41, was not just a victim; he was a beloved leader, a man known for his unwavering commitment to his faith and his community. The attack that took his life was described by officials as a terrorist act, targeting not just individuals but the fabric of Jewish life in Australia.

The Challenge of Grief and Anger

As family members and community leaders took to the stage to pay their respects, their words resonated with a mixture of sorrow, respect, and seething anger. Yehoram Ulman, Rabbi Schlanger's father-in-law, articulated the deep pain felt by many: “Our community suffered our own seventh of October,” drawing a parallel to the devastating Hamas attack in Israel. Through tears, he shared a heartfelt memory, addressing Schlanger directly, “You're my son, my friend and confidant. To think that your wife, your children, I, will have to go a day without you is impossible.”

“As a community, as a Jewish community and an Australian community, it feels like we're all in mourning. We all lost a family member.” - Lance Radus

A Call for Action

The atmosphere shifted from pure sorrow to frustration, with many attendees expressing anger towards the government's handling of antisemitism in recent years, especially in the wake of the October 7 attacks. Rabbi Ulman implored community members to remain vigilant and strong in their faith amidst adversity. “When those animals who look like humans try to destroy us...we're going to gather in Bondi Beach, and we're going to light the eight candles, and we're going to show the world that the Jewish people are unbeatable,” he urged, reminding those present of the strength found in unity.

The Aftermath of the Attack

The shooting has left a lingering shadow over Sydney's Jewish community, sparking debates about governmental accountability in preventing acts of hate. Elder Michael Atlas lamented the lack of action taken against rising antisemitism. “We've had warning signs and what we feel is a completely inadequate response from the Australian leadership to address the root cause of this antisemitism,” he stated, emphasizing feelings of helplessness that now pervade his community.

The outpouring of grief was not limited to those who knew Rabbi Schlanger personally; many attended out of solidarity, underscoring the interconnectedness of the community. Levi Wolff, a rabbi at Sydney's Central Synagogue, encapsulated the spirit of shared loss: “Eli was ripped away from us in the midst of doing what he did best, spreading Yiddishkeit, spreading love and joy and caring for his people.”

Conclusion: Unity in Mourning

This tragic chapter, though marked by profound sorrow, also illustrated the steadfast spirit of a community determined to stand united in the face of hatred. As the funeral concluded and Rabbi Schlanger's casket was escorted through the streets of Bondi, mourners sang a Jewish prayer, their voices raised in solidarity against a world filled with violence and division. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the collective resilience of this community shines a beacon of hope.