Information Available Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Shooting
A minimum of 16 people perished and more than 40 were hurt when attackers opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an incident local police have called a terrorist attack.
In the latest update, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities is 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 injured people were admitted to the hospital.
The deceased are still awaiting formally identified, but investigators think their ages are between 10 and 87 years of age.
Below are the individuals who have been named to date.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Described as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends spoke of 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 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 asked.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their newest son just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.
She recounted the events leading up to the shooting, saying they were standing when the gunfire began. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.
The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced immense hardship in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
French foreign ministry have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
In a statement, a senior official expressed that France mourned with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the statement continued.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, according to reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain under care, with several in critical condition. Those hurt include two officers who attended the scene.
A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He told reporters he listened to “a large number” of gunshots.
“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
