Information Available Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Beach Shooting
No fewer than 16 people were killed and more than 40 were hurt when gunmen shot at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have labeled a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, officials have announced the death toll stands at 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to medical facilities.
The deceased have not yet been publicly named, but authorities state their ages span between 10 and 87 years of age.
Here are the victims who have been named so far.
Eli Schlanger
London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Known as a father of five children, he worked 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 is it possible that a joyful 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 relative said.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their youngest child in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.
She told the events leading up to the shooting, stating they were standing when the shooting began. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.
The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
In a statement, a senior official expressed that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the message read.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, according to reports citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with several in serious condition. Those hurt include two police officers who attended the scene.
A wounded man is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.
He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. 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 said he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”