What We Know About the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Shooting
A minimum of 16 people perished and over 40 were hurt when assailants fired on a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities have labeled a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities stands at 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were taken to hospital.
The victims have not yet been formally identified, but investigators think their ages are between 10 and 87 years of age.
Below are the victims who are known so far.
Eli Schlanger
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Described as a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances remembered 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 happy 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 remarked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their newest son in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.
She described the events leading up to the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.
The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
Officially, the Foreign Minister said 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 antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message read.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was rushed to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, according to multiple sources citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain under care, with several in critical condition. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.
A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Called a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
