The Details Known About the Victims of the Bondi Shooting
A minimum of 16 individuals perished and in excess of 40 were wounded when attackers fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police have called a terrorist attack.
In the latest update, authorities have confirmed the death toll is 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were taken to the hospital.
Those who died are still awaiting publicly named, but authorities state their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.
Below are the individuals who are known to date.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Described as a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing 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 remarked.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their newest son in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.
She told the moments before the attack, saying they had been standing together when the gunfire began. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.
The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
Publicly, the Foreign Minister said that France mourned with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message read.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was also killed in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.
A casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He described he heard “a large number” of gunshots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”