Information Available Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Shooting
No fewer than 16 lives perished and more than 40 were hurt when assailants fired on a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police have labeled a terrorist attack.
As of the newest reports, officials have stated the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were admitted to hospital.
The deceased have not yet been publicly named, but authorities state their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.
Here are the individuals who are known so far.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Known as a father-of-five, he served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How is it possible that 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 celebrated the arrival of their newest son in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.
She described the events leading up to the attack, saying they were standing when the gunfire started. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.
The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
In a statement, a senior official declared that France stood with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews 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 succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was among those killed during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number remain under care, with a number in a critical state. The injured comprise two officers who attended the scene.
A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Called a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”