The Details Known About the Fatalities of the Bondi Terror Attack
No fewer than 16 people perished and more than 40 were hurt when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, officials have confirmed the number of fatalities remains at 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were transported to the hospital.
Those who died are yet to be officially identified, but police believe their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.
Below are the victims who are known at this time.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Known as a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of 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 asked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their newest son in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.
She described the moments leading up to the attack, stating they were standing when the gunfire began. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.
The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
In a statement, the Foreign Minister said 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 hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message continued.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was also killed during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain under care, with five in a critical state. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.
One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen. Called a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He told reporters he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”