The Details Known About the Victims of the Bondi Terrorist Incident
A minimum of 16 people were killed and over 40 sustained injuries when gunmen shot at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities have called a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, officials have stated the death toll is 16, encompassing one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were admitted to hospital.
The victims are still awaiting officially identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.
Here are the victims who have been named at this time.
Eli Schlanger
London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Reportedly a father of five children, he served as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How can a joyful 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 asked.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their newest son in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.
She recounted the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.
The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their youth. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
The French foreign ministry have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
Publicly, the Foreign Minister expressed that France mourned with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the statement continued.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was also killed during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
From the 42 people taken to hospital, many remain under care, with five in critical condition. The injured comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.
A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Described as a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”