The Details Known Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Shooting
A minimum of 16 people perished and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when attackers opened fire at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.
According to the most recent information, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 wounded individuals were taken to medical facilities.
Those who died are yet to be publicly named, but investigators think their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.
Here are the individuals who are known to date.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Described as a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant 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, meet his end in this way?” a family member said.
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, according to his wife.
She described the events before the attack, saying they were standing when the shooting started. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.
The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
Publicly, the Foreign Minister said that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This despicable act 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, police have confirmed.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per reports citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many are still under care, with several in serious condition. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.
A wounded man is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Sources state he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” 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 told reporters he heard “a large number” of shots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”
