Hundreds of surf lifesavers have gathered on Bondi Beach in a powerful and sombre tribute to the victims of the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration one week ago.
A Solemn Tribute on the Shore
On an overcast morning, the iconic beach fell silent as hundreds of Bondi lifeguards formed lines along the sand. Looking out to sea, they observed a two-minute silence to remember the lives lost. The ceremony included a poignant fly-past by a rescue helicopter, marking the community's collective farewell.
Many of these lifesavers were first on the scene following the attack, having been nearby at a Christmas party at their club. They rushed to help with first aid kits, some even running barefoot towards the danger. Their actions in the immediate aftermath were described as critical.
The Trauma of the First Responders
Phil Suriano, Vice President of the North Bondi Surf Club, spoke of the profound impact on his members. "Our members were first responders, and what they're going through and what they've seen, few people have ever seen," he said.
One young surf lifesaver, 20-year-old JJ, was swimming near the rocks on the night of the attack. "I heard popping sounds going off. At first, I thought it was firecrackers," she recounted. "It took a few rounds for me to realise that's not firecrackers." She and her friends quickly helped move people off the rocks and into shelter in nearby houses at the northern end of the beach.
Eyewitness Account and Attempted Rescue
A few blocks away, Grigoriy Raunshteyn, who was attending the Hanukkah celebration, is still processing the traumatic events. He heard the gunfire start and, realising what was happening, began a Facebook livestream to bring global awareness to the attack. Millions have since viewed the footage.
"I was lying down as instructed and trying to figure out where the shooters were. For some reason, I felt the shots coming from six or five different locations," Mr Raunshteyn said.
When it was safe, he used his recent first aid training to try and help the wounded, including British-born rabbi Eli Schlenger. Despite his efforts, which included giving the rabbi a rescue breath, Rabbi Schlenger did not survive. "We were waiting for the paramedics. When they came, they quickly assessed him and said something like, 'move to the next person'," he recalled.
Raunshteyn expressed his disbelief, stating he never thought such an attack could happen in Sydney. The community, along with the brave lifeguards and first responders, continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting as the city mourns.
