Information Available Regarding the Those Lost of the Bondi Terrorist Incident
No fewer than 16 people were killed and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police have called a act of terrorism.
According to the most recent information, officials have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were transported to hospital.
The deceased are still awaiting formally identified, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.
Here are the victims who have been identified so far.
Eli Schlanger
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Described as a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.
“How is it possible that a happy rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a relative remarked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their youngest child just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.
She told the moments before the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire began. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.
The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
French authorities have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the statement continued.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. The injured include two officers who attended the scene.
A casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Hailed as a hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of shots.
“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”