What We Know Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack
A minimum of 16 people were killed and in excess of 40 were hurt when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an attack local police have called a terrorist attack.
In the latest update, authorities have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were transported to the hospital.
The deceased are yet to be officially identified, but investigators think their ages are between 10 and 87 years of age.
Listed are the individuals who have been named so far.
Eli Schlanger
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Known as a father of five children, he was the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.
“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 relative said.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.
She described the events before the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire started. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she stated.
The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having faced immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France stood with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message read.
One Child
A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was also killed during the attack, according to reports citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people transported to hospitals, many remain receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. Those hurt comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.
A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Called a hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. It has been reported he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.
He wrote, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He said he listened to “a large number” of gunshots.
“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”