Widow of Bondi Hanukkah photographer reveals she is converting to Judaism in his, victims' honor

Virginia Meagher, widow of Peter Meagher, a photographer killed in the Bondi Hanukkah attack, is converting to Judaism in his honor. Peter, a retired NSW Police detective sergeant, discovered his Jewish heritage shortly before his death. Virginia, who began considering conversion after working at a Chabad school in 2017, solidified her decision in February 2026, stating, "This is my way of honoring him, them [the victims]."

• Peter Meagher was a freelance photographer for Jewish community events, including the Hanukkah party where he was murdered.
• His stolen camera, recovered by police in May 2026, contained crucial images that helped authorities reconstruct the attack and provided the last photos of victims, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger.
• Virginia expressed mixed emotions upon receiving the images, noting they were "extremes of both grief and comfort."