What We Know Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Terrorist Incident
At least 16 people were killed and over 40 were wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.
As of the newest reports, officials have announced the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 injured people were taken to medical facilities.
Those who died are still awaiting officially identified, but police believe their ages are from 10 and 87 years old.
Here are the victims who have been identified at this time.
Eli Schlanger
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Known as a father-of-five, he was the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How can a happy rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a relative remarked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their newest son in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.
She described the events before the shooting, explaining they were standing when the shooting began. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.
The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
In a statement, the Foreign Minister expressed that France stood with 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 put a stop to,” the statement continued.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was also killed during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
From the 42 people taken to hospital, many remain receiving treatment, with several in serious condition. The injured comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.
A wounded man is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the shooting. He described he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”