On December 15th, the first night of Hanukkah, tragedy struck in Australia. At a celebration of the first night of Hanukkah, two shooters opened fire on a crowd, killing 15 and injuring 40. Australian police forces have determined this shooting as an attack rooted in antisemitism.

The victims had a wide range in ages, with the youngest being 10 and the oldest being 87. The victims, some named by relatives and friends, were citizens of multiple different countries, such as France, Slovakia, and Israel. 

The youngest victim was 10 year old Matilda Britvan, a happy child, who was celebrating with her sister before being fatally shot in front of her. She was later identified by her aunt, Lina Chernykh.

The oldest victim was Alex Kleytman, an 87 year old Holocaust survivor. Alex grew up surviving the antisemitism of World War II, eventually emigrating to Ukraine with his wife of 57 years. Kleytman wrote two books about the lives of the Jewish people in the Soviet Union. His family issued a statement saying he died proudly standing as a Jew, celebrating Hanukkah, and protecting Larissa, his wife.

Other victims include two Chabad rabbis, one of which leaves his wife and five children, one of which is barely two months old, a former police officer, and many other innocent citizens.

This tragedy in Bondi Beach has been felt by everyone around the world, whether they knew a victim or not. The attack was undeserved and completely discriminatory. From us, at Paint Branch High School to families of the victims in Australia, we grieve with you.