Information Available Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack
At least 16 people were killed and more than 40 were wounded when gunmen fired on a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police have called a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, officials have announced the number of fatalities stands at 16, encompassing one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 people with injuries were transported to hospital.
The victims have not yet been officially identified, but police believe their ages are from 10 and 87 years old.
Here are the victims who have been named at this time.
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 Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How is it possible that a happy rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a family member remarked.
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, as stated by his wife.
She recounted the moments before the attack, saying they were standing when the shooting started. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.
The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
The French foreign ministry have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
In a statement, a senior official declared that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the statement continued.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with five in a critical state. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.
One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response 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 attack. He described he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
