Brit Rabbi killed in Bondi had shared 'best response to antisemitism'

The British-born Rabbi murdered in the Bondi Beach terror attack shared a heartwarming final tweet where he danced and lit Hanukkah candles in what he said was the 'the best response to antisemitism'. 

Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was one of at least 16 people killed after two gunmen targeted those celebrating a Hanukkah event at Australia's Bondi Beach on Sunday, also injuring at least 29 people.

The London-born Rabbi was a key organiser of the Hanukkah by the Sea event that was targeted in what Australian authorities have described as an act of 'terrorism'.

Schlanger, who was a father of five and had a son aged just two months, grew up in Temple Fortune, north London. 

He relocated to Sydney and has served as a Rabbi at Chabad Bondi since 2007.

In a poignant final tweet, the Rabbi shared a touching video where he fastened a Menorah - a Jewish candle used to celebrate Hanukkah - to the roof of his car during the festival last year.

He lights the candle and dances along to the lyrics 'Just a little bit of light takes away the dark'.

The video is captioned: 'Here's the best response to combat antisemitism. Happy Hanukkah'.

The Rabbi had written to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in response to the country recognising Palestine just weeks before the terror attack.   

'As a Rabbi in Sydney, I beg you not to betray the Jewish people and not God Himself.   

'Jews have been torn from their land again and again by leaders who are now remembered with contempt in the pages of history. You have an opportunity to stand on the side of truth and justice, 

'I congratulate you in advance for the courage to do what is right and stand firm against this act of heresy,' Schlanger added.   

Rabbi Zalman Lewis, Schlanger's cousin, who lives in Brighton, told Jewish News: 'We are just beginning to process this. It makes no sense at all. 

'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 [good deeds] and to keep spreading positive energy.'    

Many members of Sydney's Jewish community had assembled for a Hanukkah celebration at the iconic beach shortly before 7pm local time on Sunday to mark the first day of the festival.

The two terrorists were spotted standing on a pedestrian footbridge before opening fire into crowds of locals, holidaymakers and families.   

Authorities have confirmed that Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney's south-west, was one of the shooters. 

It is understood that Akram was shot, arrested and remains in custody, where he is being treated by emergency services.

The other gunman was shot dead at the scene.