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

Virginia Meagher, the bereaved wife of Peter Meagher, a retired NSW Police detective sergeant and photographer, has announced her decision to convert to Judaism in honor of her late husband and the victims of the Bondi Hanukkah attack. Peter, 61, was not only a well-known photographer in the Jewish community but also worked for various local Chabad events, including the Hanukkah party that was targeted in the attack.

Raised as a Catholic, Peter discovered shortly before his death that his maternal grandmother, and thus he, was Jewish. His wife, Virginia, had contemplated conversion for some time, which was intensified by her role as a staff member at a Chabad school six months after their marriage. She revealed that she made the decision to embark on the conversion journey in February 2026.

Virginia emphasized that this act is a way to honor her husband and the victims, highlighting the undeniable aspects of his history and heritage. Additionally, she mentioned how Peter's photography has been crucial in assisting the police in reconstructing the events of the attack and identifying the locations of the victims. Some of the photos were only recently recovered, as his camera was stolen during the incident and later pawned.

New South Wales Police apprehended the suspect in May, who had also been the photographer at the Hanukkah event. Virginia expressed her emotions regarding the returned camera and its data, noting the juxtaposition of grief and comfort as she views the images of the last moments with Peter, capturing the last glimpses of the event's subjects.

Among the recovered photos, one stands out - the final images of Chabad Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was killed while attempting to dissuade the gunman from shooting. Virginia Meagher spoke to News24 for further comment on the matter.