What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident
A minimum of 16 individuals were killed and over 40 were hurt when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have labeled a act of terrorism.
According to the most recent information, officials have announced the death toll stands at 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were taken to hospital.
The victims have not yet been formally identified, but investigators think their ages are from 10 and 87 years old.
Below are the individuals who have been identified at this time.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Described as a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How can a happy 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 remarked.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their newest son just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.
She recounted the moments leading up to the shooting, saying they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.
The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
Officially, a senior official declared that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message read.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, police have confirmed.
One Israeli Citizen
One victim from Israel was among those killed in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with several in serious condition. The injured comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.
One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.
He wrote, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He described he listened to “dozens and dozens” of shots.
“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”