Information Available About the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack
At least 16 people lost their lives and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when gunmen shot at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.
In the latest update, authorities have announced the number of fatalities stands at 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were admitted to medical facilities.
The victims have not yet been formally identified, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.
Listed are the victims who have been identified so far.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Reportedly a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How is it possible that a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a relative asked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their youngest child just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.
She described the events leading up to the shooting, saying they were standing when the gunfire erupted. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.
The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
Publicly, the Foreign Minister said that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the message continued.
One Child
A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.
One Israeli Citizen
One victim from Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospitals, many remain under care, with several in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two officers who attended the scene.
One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he listened to “a large number” of gunshots.
“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”