What We Know Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack
At least 16 individuals lost their lives and more than 40 were hurt when gunmen fired on a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.
As of the newest reports, authorities have stated the death toll stands at 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were admitted to hospital.
The victims are yet to be officially identified, but authorities state their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.
Listed are the victims who have been identified at this time.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Reportedly a father of five children, he was the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends spoke of 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 spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a family member remarked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.
She recounted the events before the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting started. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.
The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
Publicly, the Foreign Minister said that France mourned with his family, 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 eradicate,” the statement continued.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was a fatality in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain receiving treatment, with several in a critical state. The injured include two police officers who responded to the attack.
A casualty is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen. Called a hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he described the scene as an “horrific scene,” 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 another casualty in the shooting. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”