Elkayam will always be remembered as that young man who added warmth and kindness to the lives of those around him. His closest friends have described his death and his moments before it, when he showed the same qualities that he had demonstrated during his life — the courage and selflessness he showed when he came forward to save someone at Bondi Beach.
Dan was only 27 years old, but he lived with such a depth of love and purpose that was beyond his years. According to his friends, Dan was a man who truly appreciated life and lived each day with an open heart. On that particular day, Dan was doing what he loved most — basking in the sunlight, playing a game of football with his friends, laughing with those around him, and looking forward to taking part in the lighting ceremony for Hanukkah as part of the event to light the menorah.
Dan was born and brought up in Paris. Later, he moved to Sydney, Australia, and lived there with his partner. His family says that he was a meek, humble, and loving person who made everyone around him feel safe. His smile, his family adds, had the ability to light up people’s lives.
At the farewell service, there was an atmosphere of sadness and love. Relatives, friends, and people from the wider community had assembled to pay their last respects to an individual whose life had been cut cruelly short. With tears in their eyes, Dan’s loved ones remembered the kindness, strength, and quiet strength he possessed. There was mention of Dan’s light remaining after he died and flourishing with love and goodness.
So many remember Dan’s sportsmanship and integrity, remembering instances on the gridiron when Dan chose compassion over the opposition when the situation called for it, even when the game was intense. He was a firm believer in things like fairness, respect, and standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
According to friends, Dan lived out his faith to the fullest and loved his loved ones and friends most of all in this world. Even though his life was tragically and incompletely lived, a promise was made to carry on his expressions of kindness so generously extended to others—to live with greater courage, greater care, and greater love just as Dan lived his life.
As prayers ascended through the night and candles burned during the final night of Hanukkah, mourners stepped into the light of their illumination – clinging to hope that Dan’s light would continue to burn through acts of heroism, kindness, and unconditional love. Although Dan departed too soon, his legacy lives on through all the lives that he touched, all the hearts that he encouraged, and all the acts of goodness in his name.
