The Details Known About the Fatalities of the Bondi Terrorist Incident
No fewer than 16 individuals were killed and in excess of 40 were hurt when attackers shot at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police are describing as a terrorist attack.
According to the most recent information, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to hospital.
Those who died have not yet been publicly named, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.
Below are the victims who have been identified to date.
Eli Schlanger
London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Described as a father of five children, he was 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 can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a relative said.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their youngest child just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.
She described the events before the shooting, stating they were standing when the gunfire began. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.
The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having endured immense hardship in their youth. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France mourned 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 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with a number in a critical state. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.
A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the shooting. He said he listened to “a large number” of shots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”