Funeral services are being held in Sydney for two rabbis killed in Sunday’s mass shooting near Bondi Beach, as Australian authorities investigate suspected extremist links to the attack and Jewish leaders call for stronger action against antisemitism. Large crowds gathered outside Chabad of Bondi on Wednesday for the funeral of British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of the 15 victims killed during a Hanukkah celebration. A separate funeral for Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, another respected community leader killed in the attack, is also scheduled to take place later in the day.

Australian police have confirmed that the two gunmen believed to be responsible for the shooting had previously traveled overseas for alleged extremist training. Investigators say the suspects flew from Sydney to Manila before traveling to Mindanao in the Philippines, a region historically linked to militant activity. Philippine security forces are cooperating with Australian authorities as investigations focus on possible connections to the Islamic State (ISIS).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters that evidence gathered so far indicates the attack was inspired by ISIS ideology, describing the shooting as an act of extremist violence targeting a religious community. Security has been heightened nationwide, particularly around synagogues and Jewish institutions, as officials work to reassure the public.

Hundreds of mourners packed a Bondi synagogue to honor Rabbi Schlanger, remembering him as a devoted spiritual leader committed to peace and service. The funerals mark the beginning of a series of memorials for the victims of one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia’s recent history, as calls grow for decisive measures to confront antisemitism and extremist radicalization.