The Details Known Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Beach Shooting
At least 16 lives lost their lives and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when attackers shot at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.
As of the newest reports, authorities have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 people with injuries were transported to medical facilities.
The deceased are still awaiting officially identified, but authorities state their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.
Below are the individuals who are known so far.
Eli Schlanger
London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Reportedly a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.
“How can a happy 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 remarked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their youngest child just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.
She told the events leading up to the attack, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.
The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having faced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
Officially, a senior official expressed that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message read.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.
One Israeli Citizen
One victim from Israel was also killed in the incident, according to multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number remain under care, with a number in a critical state. The injured comprise two officers who responded to the attack.
A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Called a hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.
He wrote, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the shooting. He told reporters 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.”
