A French engineer who was killed in the Bondi massacre has been remembered as an adventurous young man who loved travel, meeting new people, playing soccer and celebrating his Jewish faith.
Dan Elkayam was among 15 people killed at a Hanukkah festival at Bondi beach on December 14.
The 27-year-old, who worked at NBC Universal, had been at the beach playing soccer with his friends and celebrating the Jewish holiday when the shooting unfolded.
Dan Elkayam was playing soccer at the beach when the attack unfolded. (Supplied)
His funeral, which was held in Sydney’s east on Monday, heard he was a passionate young man who felt strongly about his Jewish identity and playing soccer.
“He loved soccer and if he knew I called it soccer, and not football, would have absolutely annoyed him,” one of his closest friends Jessie Singer said.
“The last day I spent with Dan was last Sunday, we played football on the beach for hours with a group of friends.
“Dan taught me that you need to live for every moment — to travel, to meet new people and follow your passions and do it to your fullest.”
Mr Elkayam had only been in Australia about a year before his death, but friends including Mordi Slavin said he was very sociable, “full of life” and always open to adventure.
Rabbi Chaim Koncepolski said “everybody loved” Dan Elkayam. (ABC News: Jak Rowland)
Rabbi Chaim Koncepolski said he met Mr Elkayam a few times and found him to be a “humble and beautiful person”.
“In our tradition, the way that we remember people is by continuing their impact,” he said.
“And I think if we can all think of how we could be kinder to others and be more considerate of people who are different to us not just in our hearts but in our actions … I think that would be the best legacy for his soul,” Rabbi Koncepolski said.
Floral tributes at Bondi Pavilion removed
A new tribute to Bondi Beach terror attack victims by artist Not Not is on the promenade. (ABC News: Che Chorley)
A new memorial to those killed in the attack has appeared at Bondi.
Artist Not Not painted the words “For Those We Lost” on a plain grey wall alongside brightly coloured murals that line the walkway at the beach. Â Â
Bondi Beach memorial flowers have been removed with some items to be preserved. (ABC News: Aran Hart)
It comes as the sea of flowers and tribute items outside Bondi Pavilion have been cleared up from the makeshift memorial, with plans to preserve many of the items for history.
Thousands of tributes to the victims of last week’s terror attack have been left at the site, with many leaving personal notes and plush toys.
The floral tributes will be disposed of respectfully. (ABC News: Aran Hart)
In a statement, Waverley Council said it will collect some of the items and use them as part of a future memorial for the families.
The Jewish Museum will collect cards and other non-perishable items.