What We Know Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Shooting
No fewer than 16 people perished and more than 40 were hurt when gunmen fired on a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.
According to the most recent information, authorities have stated the death toll stands at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were taken to the hospital.
Those who died are still awaiting publicly named, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.
Listed are the individuals who have been identified so far.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Known as a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How can a happy 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 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 told the moments leading up to the attack, stating they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.
The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
Publicly, the Foreign Minister declared that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was rushed to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was also killed during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with five in a critical state. Those hurt comprise two police officers who attended the scene.
A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the attack. He told reporters he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”