What We Know Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack
A minimum of 16 individuals perished and more than 40 were hurt when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.
In the latest update, authorities have announced the death toll is 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were transported to medical facilities.
Those who died have not yet been formally identified, but authorities state their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.
Listed are the individuals who have been identified to date.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Known as a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends remembered 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 happy 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 relative remarked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their newest son just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.
She told the moments before the shooting, saying they were standing when the gunfire erupted. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.
The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
French authorities have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
Publicly, the Foreign Minister expressed 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 put a stop to,” the statement read.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
One victim from Israel was also killed in the incident, as per reports citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain under care, with five in serious condition. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.
A casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen. Called a hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. It has been reported he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.
In a message, he recounted the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He said he felt 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 “a large number” of shots.
“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”