Information Available Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Shooting
At least 16 people were killed and in excess of 40 were hurt when assailants shot at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an incident local police are describing as a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, officials have announced the death toll is 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to the hospital.
Those who died have not yet been officially identified, but authorities state their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.
Here are the victims who have been named to date.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Known as a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members 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 spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a family member said.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.
She recounted the events before the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.
The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message continued.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with several in a critical state. The injured comprise two officers who responded to the attack.
A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Hailed as a hero, he received gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.
He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”