The Details Known About the Victims of the Bondi Terror Attack
A minimum of 16 lives were killed and over 40 were hurt when assailants fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local police have called a terrorist attack.
According to the most recent information, authorities have stated the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to medical facilities.
Those who died are yet to be formally identified, but investigators think their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.
Listed are the individuals who are known to date.
Eli Schlanger
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Reportedly a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends described 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, have his life ended in this way?” a family member said.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their youngest child just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.
She described the moments leading up to the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she said.
The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
The French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
In a statement, a senior official 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 put a stop to,” the statement continued.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, according to multiple sources citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospitals, many remain under care, with five in a critical state. Those hurt comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.
A wounded man is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Called a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”
