What We Know Regarding the Those Lost of the Bondi Terror Attack
At least 16 individuals were killed and in excess of 40 were wounded when gunmen shot at a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities have called a act of terrorism.
According to the most recent information, authorities have announced the number of fatalities is 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 injured people were taken to hospital.
The victims are yet to be formally identified, but investigators think their ages are between 10 and 87 years old.
Here are the victims who have been identified at this time.
Eli Schlanger
London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Known as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.
“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 relative 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, according to his wife.
She told the moments leading up to the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.
The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
Officially, the Foreign Minister declared that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message continued.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people taken to hospital, many are still under care, with a number in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two officers who attended the scene.
A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Called a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. It has been reported he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.
In a message, he recounted the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He said he listened to “a large number” of shots.
“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”
