The Details Known Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack
At least 16 people perished and more than 40 were hurt when gunmen shot at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities have called a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, authorities have stated the death toll stands at 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 injured people were admitted to hospital.
The deceased are yet to be officially identified, but police believe their ages are from 10 and 87 years of age.
Here are the individuals who have been identified at this time.
Eli Schlanger
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Reportedly a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a family member asked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their newest son just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.
She told the moments before the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.
The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
Publicly, a senior official expressed that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.
One Child
A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was also killed in the incident, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain receiving treatment, with a number in a critical state. The injured comprise two police officers who attended the scene.
A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Called a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He described he heard “a large number” of shots.
“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
