The Details Known Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Terrorist Incident
At least 16 people lost their lives and more than 40 sustained injuries when gunmen fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian police have labeled a act of terrorism.
As of the newest reports, officials have stated the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the alleged attackers. Furthermore, 42 injured people were taken to the hospital.
The victims are still awaiting officially identified, but authorities state their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.
Below are the individuals who are known so far.
Eli Schlanger
London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Reportedly a father of five children, he was the associate 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 was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How is it possible that a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a family member remarked.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their youngest child just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.
She recounted the events leading up to the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.
The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
Publicly, the Foreign Minister said that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the message continued.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. The injured include two officers who responded to the attack.
A casualty is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen. Described as a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.
In a message, he recounted the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. 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 stated. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”