A tragic shooting incident at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration has claimed the life of 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman. He died while attempting to shield his wife, Larisa Kleytman, from two gunmen who opened fire on December 14, 2025. The attack resulted in the deaths of 16 people, including one of the suspected shooters.
As families gathered at Bondi Beach to celebrate the festival of lights, chaos erupted when the assailants began firing into the crowd. According to reports, Larisa Kleytman recounted the harrowing moment when her husband was shot. She stated, “I think he was shot because he raised himself up to protect me, in the back of the head.” The couple, married for 50 years, had traveled from Matraville to enjoy the festivities.
Both Alex and Larisa are Ukrainian-Australian immigrants who survived the horrors of the Holocaust in their youth. They moved to Australia with hopes of building a better life. The couple shared their experiences with the Australian charity JewishCare in 2023, where Alex recounted the traumatic memories of his childhood in Siberia under horrific conditions.
Impact of the Attack
The Bondi Beach shooting not only took a beloved member of the community but also left many others injured. Among the deceased are a ten-year-old girl and a 27-year-old French Jewish citizen. Currently, 42 individuals remain hospitalized, including two police officers who responded to the incident.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with Larisa Kleytman recalling the moment she heard gunfire. “At this moment he was behind me, and at one moment he decided to go close to me,” she said. “His body is still there, and I am sitting there and don’t know what I have to do.”
The two alleged gunmen, identified as Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, were involved in the attack. Police reported that Sajid was shot dead by officers at the scene, while Naveed sustained critical injuries and is currently under police guard in a hospital. It has been confirmed that Sajid Akram was a licensed firearms holder, possessing six firearms, all of which were recovered at the crime scene.
Community Response
The Bondi Beach community is grappling with the aftermath of this violence, which has deeply affected residents. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon stated that the investigation will involve a thorough examination of the firearms used in the attack to determine their origins and ensure public safety.
Local leaders and community members have expressed their condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. As the investigation unfolds, the incident raises serious concerns about safety during public celebrations and the ongoing issue of gun violence.
The Kleytmans’ story serves as a poignant reminder of resilience in the face of adversity, a testament to their survival through one of history’s darkest periods. The couple’s dedication to their family, which includes two children and 11 grandchildren, reflects a legacy of love and commitment that has been tragically interrupted.
