The Details Known Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Terror Attack
No fewer than 16 individuals lost their lives and over 40 were hurt when attackers opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities have called a act of terrorism.
As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 injured people were transported to medical facilities.
The deceased are yet to be formally identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years of age.
Listed are the individuals who are known at this time.
Eli Schlanger
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Reportedly a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How can 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 relative asked.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their youngest child just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.
She described the moments before the shooting, saying they had been standing together when the shooting began. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she said.
The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced immense hardship in their childhood. They had later immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
Publicly, the Foreign Minister expressed that France stood with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the message continued.
One Child
A child who was taken to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.
One Israeli Citizen
One victim from Israel was also killed in the incident, according to reports citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with several in critical condition. The injured comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.
One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Sources state he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.
He wrote, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He described he listened to “dozens and dozens” of shots.
“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
