The Details Known Regarding the Those Lost of the Bondi Shooting
No fewer than 16 people lost their lives and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when gunmen fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.
In the latest update, authorities have stated the death toll is 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were admitted to hospital.
The victims are yet to be publicly named, but investigators think their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.
Below are the individuals who have been named at this time.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Known as a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends remembered 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 joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a family member asked.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their newest son just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.
She described the events leading up to the shooting, explaining they were standing when the gunfire started. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.
The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
French authorities have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
Officially, the Foreign Minister expressed that France mourned with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the message read.
One Child
A child who was taken to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
From the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with five in a critical state. Those hurt comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.
A wounded man is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a 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 wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He described he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”
