Ukrainian Holocaust survivor killed in brutal attack in Australia
Ambulance in Australia (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
In Australia, Ukrainian immigrant Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor who had lived in the country for nearly 60 years, was killed in a bloody attack, reports NBC News.
The Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman was identified as one of the victims who died on December 14 at Bondi Beach as a result of the attack.
Kleytman's death was confirmed by his wife, Larisa Kleytman, also a Holocaust survivor. She told journalists that just before the tragedy, she heard several loud boom-like sounds and, moments later, saw her husband fall to the ground.
According to Larisa Kleytman, her husband went to Bondi Beach to celebrate Hanukkah - a holiday that held special meaning for their family.
“He went to Bondi Beach to celebrate Hanukkah. For us, it has always been a very, very meaningful holiday for many, many years,” she said.
It is known that Alex Kleytman survived the Holocaust with his mother and younger brother in Siberia. After the war, he and his wife emigrated from Ukraine to Australia, where the couple lived together for nearly 60 years.
Following the attack, Larisa Kleytman admitted that she is in shock and struggling to comprehend what happened.
“His body is still there, and I’m sitting here, not knowing what to do,” she said, still grappling with the trauma.
Alex Kleytman's death has caused a significant outpouring of grief among both the Australian Jewish community and the Ukrainian diaspora.
Mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney
On Sunday, December 14, 2025, a mass shooting occurred at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach during an event celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, resulting in dozens of deaths and many injuries. The Australian police have classified the incident as a terrorist attack and an act of anti-Semitism.
According to local law enforcement, the shooting was carried out by two armed attackers who opened fire on the crowd gathered on the public beach during the Chanukah by the Sea celebration. One of the attackers was neutralized by police at the scene, while the other was wounded and taken into custody. Explosive devices found in their vehicle were safely defused.
Latest reports indicate that at least 16 people were killed, including children and the elderly, and over 40 were injured and hospitalized. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years. Among the deceased were leaders of the Jewish community and a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor.
Witnesses reported hearing a series of 20 to 50 gunshots, after which panic spread across the beach: people fled and took cover in nearby restaurants and shops.
Local leaders and international representatives have strongly condemned the attack as a hate crime. The Australian Prime Minister described it as targeted against the Jewish community during a religious holiday and called for unity and stronger measures against anti-Semitism.
This incident is reported by RBC-Ukraine as the second-deadliest terrorist anti-Semitic attack in Australia’s history.
