Story perspectives

Holocaust Survivor Killed Protecting Wife in Sydney Attack

12/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

A Holocaust survivor, Alex Kleitman, was killed shielding his wife during the Sydney Chanukah shooting.
His widow recounted that he was shot in the head while protecting her.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger also died in the attack.
The event, attended by over 1,000 people, has heightened concerns over rising antisemitism in Australia.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar criticized the Australian government, linking the shooting to two years of antisemitic incitement.

History

Historical Context

In 2021, Australia witnessed a 40% rise in antisemitic incidents, reflecting a troubling trend linked to historical persecution, including the Holocaust. The tragic Sydney Chanukah shooting, which killed Holocaust survivor Alex Kleitman, intensified calls for government action against hate crimes. This surge in antisemitism highlights ongoing threats to Jewish communities, prompting increased security measures and public demonstrations for protection.

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Story summary

A Holocaust survivor, Alex Kleitman, was killed shielding his wife during the Sydney Chanukah shooting.
His widow recounted that he was shot in the head while protecting her.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger also died in the attack.
The event, attended by over 1,000 people, has heightened concerns over rising antisemitism in Australia.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar criticized the Australian government, linking the shooting to two years of antisemitic incitement.

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