The families of seven victims of Sunday’s fatal shooting in Bondi Beach made heartbreaking statements about their loved ones on Thursday, expressing deep sorrow and sharing moving memories.
At least 15 people have been killed in the deadly terror attack during a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Authorities have identified the attackers as a father-son duo and believe the attack was inspired by ISIS.
The father was killed on the spot, while the son was shot by police and taken for medical care. He has been hit with dozens of charges, including fifteen counts of murder.
Marika Pogany, 82, was a member of COA Sydney, a volunteer service for Jewish seniors, who was killed in the attack on Bondi Beach on December 14. (NSW Police)
POGANY FAMILY
Marika Pogany, 82, was a member of COA Sydney, a volunteer service for Jewish seniors.
“Marika, affectionately known to all as Omi, was a beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and steadfast friend, whose warmth and energy touched countless lives,” her family wrote. “Vibrant and full of life, she brought joy and energy to every room and found her greatest happiness surrounded by her adoring family. Her sweet son Romy was her greatest achievement and her world.”
Pogany came to Australia from Czechoslovakia with her son and brother in 1968, her family said, and in 1972 she became a “proud” Australian citizen.
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“She had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people,” her family said. “Her kindness, laughter and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone she met, and her incredible network of friends was a true reflection of the love and loyalty she inspired.
“She was deeply committed to her community and gave her time and heart to serving others, delivering meals and helping those in need, embodying love in action.”
Pogany’s family added, “Although she is gone, her light will continue to shine brightly through the family and friends who were so blessed to have her in their lives. Forever our beautiful Darlink.”
Adam Smyth, 50, a father of four, was killed during the attack on Bondi Beach.
SMYTH FAMILY
Adam Smyth, 50, was a father of four and husband to Katrina. His family said the couple were walking on Bondi Beach on Sunday evening when they were caught in the middle of the attack.
“No words can describe the pain of our loss,” Smyth’s family wrote. “Adam and Katrina lived their best lives together. Their shared love of family and friends, travel and sports – albeit not always the same team – made their time together truly special.”
Smyth was fond of many sporting clubs, including the English Premier League football team Liverpool.
“We will forever cherish the time we had with him. Adam was a generous and kind person who will be deeply missed and forever irreplaceable,” his family wrote, adding, “You will never walk alone.”
Boris and Sofia Gurman were killed in the Bondi Beach shooting on December 14. (NSW Police)
GURMAN FAMILY
Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, were a Russian Jewish couple who confronted one of the gunmen before the attack began, temporarily disarming the attacker before he grabbed another gun and killed them.
The couple was set to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in January and celebrated Sofia’s birthday just days after the attack, “a moment that is incredibly difficult to comprehend right now,” the Gurman family wrote.
“Boris and Sofia were deeply devoted to their family and were known in their community for their kindness, warmth and willingness to help others,” they wrote. “Boris was a retired mechanic and Sofia worked at Australia Post for the past five years. They led honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone with care and respect.”
They added: “We are deeply grateful for the love and support shown to our family during this unimaginable time.”
ELKAYAM FAMILY
Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national, was playing football on Bondi Beach and celebrating the lighting of the Hanukkah candles.
“During a mass shooting, Dan was shot in the back as he tried to run away,” Elkayam’s family wrote. “He was killed because he was Jewish.”
Elkayam played football at the 2022 Maccabiah Games and for several teams in both France and Australia.
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Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national, was killed in the attack on Bondi Beach on December 14.
“Dan loved life – fully and deeply,” his family said. “He traveled the world and was known for his gentle, friendly, fun and loving nature, making friends wherever he went. Besides football, he had a deep connection with nature. He was a certified diver and an explorer at heart, always eager to discover new places, cultures and experiences.”
Elkayam’s family said his smile could “light up any room” and was someone “who really wanted to do good in the world.”
“It is now our responsibility to continue the light that Dan spread,” his family said. “He was surrounded by loved ones from all walks of life and all communities, and in such dark times as these, we all have a duty to continue spreading kindness, compassion and joy – in his name.”
Boris Tetleroyd, who died in the Bondi Beach shooting, was remembered by his family as a ‘gentle man’.
TETLEROYD FAMILY
Boris Tetleroyd “was loved by everyone he met”, his family said.
“He was deeply loved and adored by his sons Yaakov and Roman and by his wife Svetlana,” they continued. “He is also deeply loved by his brother, aunt, nieces, nephews, cousins and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Tetleroyd’s family added that he was a “gentle man” and “gifted musician.”
Alex Kleytman, 87, was a Holocaust survivor from Ukraine who died in the Bondi Beach attack. (NSW Police)
KLEYTMAN FAMILY
Alex Kleytman, 87, was a Holocaust survivor from Ukraine. He was celebrating Hanukkah on Bondi Beach with his 57-year-old wife Larisa Kleytman, who is also a Holocaust survivor, when the shooting began.
“He was a fascinating person with many talents and an unwavering spirit,” his family wrote, adding that he was also “very stubborn.”
Kleytman “survived the hardships of World War II in frozen Siberia, with a lifetime of extraordinary stories of resilience, survival and unexpected luck” and worked as a civil engineer and estimator, first in the former Soviet Union and then in Australia.
His family said he died “doing what he loved most: protecting Larisa, standing proud as a Jew and celebrating the Festival of Lights.”
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“The two gunmen killed him, but his memories, his legacy and his books will bring light for generations to come,” his family added.
