On Thursday, the families of seven victims from Sunday’s deadly Bondi Beach shooting shared poignant statements about their loved ones, conveying deep sorrow and recounting heartfelt memories.

The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, left at least 15 people dead. Authorities have identified the attackers as a father-son pair and believe the assault was inspired by ISIS.

The father was killed at the scene, while the son was shot by police and taken for medical treatment. He has been hit with dozens of charges, including 15 counts of murder.

Marika Pogany, 82, was a member of COA Sydney, a volunteer service for Jewish seniors.

“Marika, affectionately called Omi by everyone, was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and loyal friend, whose warmth and vitality impacted innumerable lives,” her family wrote. “Lively and full of life, she brought joy and energy to every room and found her greatest happiness when surrounded by her devoted family. Her beloved son Romy was her greatest accomplishment and her entire world.”

Pogany moved to Australia from Czechoslovakia in 1968 with her son and brother, her family noted, and she became a “proud” Australian citizen in 1972.

“She had an exceptional ability to connect with people,” her family stated. “Her kindness, laughter, and generosity left an enduring impression on all she met, and her extensive circle of friends was a true testament to the love and loyalty she inspired.

“Deeply committed to her community, she dedicated her time and heart to serving others, delivering meals and aiding those in need—embodying love through action.”

Pogany’s family added, “Though she has passed, her light will continue to shine brightly through the family and friends who were so fortunate to have her in their lives. Forever our beautiful Darlink.”

Adam Smyth, 50, was a father of four and husband to Katrina. His family said the couple was strolling along Bondi Beach on Sunday evening when they found themselves caught in the attack.

“No words can capture the pain of our loss,” Smyth’s family wrote. “Adam and Katrina were living their best lives together. Their shared love for family, friends, travel, and sports—even if they didn’t always support the same team—made their time together truly special.”

Smyth was a fan of multiple sports clubs, including the English Premier League football team Liverpool.

“We will treasure the time we spent with him forever. Adam was a generous and kind person who will be deeply missed and is irreplaceable,” his family wrote, adding, “You’ll never walk alone.”

Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a Russian-Jewish couple, confronted one of the gunmen before the attack began, briefly disarming the attacker before he grabbed another rifle and killed them.

The couple was set to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in January and mark Sophia’s birthday just days after the attack, “a moment that now feels almost impossible to fathom,” the Gurman family wrote.

“Boris and Sofia were deeply devoted to their family and well-known in their community for their kindness, warmth, and readiness to help others,” they wrote. “Boris was a retired mechanic, and Sofia had worked at Australia Post for the past five years. They led honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone with care and respect.”

They added, “We are deeply thankful for the love and support shown to our family during this unimaginable time.”

Dan Elkayam, a 27-year-old French national, was playing football at Bondi Beach and celebrating the lighting of the Hanukkah candles.

“During the mass shooting, Dan was shot in the back while trying to flee,” Elkayam’s family wrote. “He was murdered because he was Jewish.”

Elkayam played football at the 2022 Maccabiah Games and for several teams in both France and Australia.

“Dan embraced life fully and passionately,” his family stated. “He traveled the globe and was known for his , making friends wherever he went. Alongside football, he had a strong connection to nature. A certified scuba diver, he was an explorer at heart, always eager to discover new places, cultures, and experiences.”

Elkayam’s family said his smile “could illuminate any room” and that he was someone “who genuinely sought to do good in the world.”

“It is now our duty to carry forward the light Dan spread,” his family stated. “He was surrounded by loved ones from all walks of life and communities, and in times as dark as these, we all have a responsibility to keep spreading kindness, compassion, and joy—in his name.”

Boris Tetleroyd “was loved by everyone he met,” his family said.

“He was deeply loved and adored by his sons Yaakov and Roman and by his wife Svetlana,” they continued. “He is also cherished by his brother, aunt, nieces, nephews, cousins, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Tetleroyd’s family added that he was a “gentle man” and “.”

Alex Kleytman, 87, was a from Ukraine. He was celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach with his wife of 57 years, Larisa Kleytman—also a Holocaust survivor—when the shooting began.

“He was a fascinating individual with many talents and an unyielding spirit,” his family wrote, adding that he was also “very stubborn.”

Kleytman “endured the hardships of World War II in frozen Siberia, carrying with him a lifetime of remarkable stories of resilience, survival, and unexpected luck” and worked as a civil engineer and estimator, first in the former Soviet Union and later in Australia.

His family said he died “doing what he loved most: protecting Larisa, , and celebrating the Festival of Lights.”

“The two gunmen took his life, but his memories, legacy, and books will bring light for generations to come,” his family added.

Digital’s Alex Nitzberg and Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.