Information Available About the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Shooting
A minimum of 16 people were killed and over 40 were wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an attack local police have called a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, officials have stated the number of fatalities is 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were admitted to the hospital.
The victims are yet to be publicly named, but police believe their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.
Here are the individuals who have been identified so far.
Eli Schlanger
London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Known as a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends remembered 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 happy 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 asked.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.
She described the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the shooting started. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.
The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had later immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France stood with his family, 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 message continued.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with five in serious condition. The injured include two police officers who responded to the attack.
A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he described the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of gunshots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
