The Details Known About the Victims of the Bondi Terror Attack
At least 16 individuals were killed and in excess of 40 were wounded when attackers shot at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.
According to the most recent information, authorities have announced the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were transported to the hospital.
Those who died have not yet been publicly named, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.
Here are the victims who have been identified at this time.
Eli Schlanger
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Described as a father of five children, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances described 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 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 family member said.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their newest son just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.
She described the moments leading up to the attack, saying they were standing when the shooting began. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.
The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
Officially, the Foreign Minister declared that France stood with 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 antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the statement continued.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.
One Israeli Citizen
One victim from Israel was a fatality in the incident, as per reports citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people transported to hospitals, many are still under care, with a number in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.
A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he received bullet 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 underwent treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He said he listened to “a large number” of gunshots.
“I thought it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”