Information Available Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Terror Attack
A minimum of 16 lives lost their lives and in excess of 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian police have labeled a terrorist attack.
In the latest update, authorities have stated the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to the hospital.
The deceased are yet to be officially identified, but investigators think their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.
Here are the individuals who have been named at this time.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Known as a father of five children, he was the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.
“How is it possible that 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 family member remarked.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their newest son in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.
She recounted the moments before the attack, stating they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.
The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
Officially, the Foreign Minister declared that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message continued.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, police have confirmed.
One Israeli Citizen
One victim from Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain receiving treatment, with five in serious condition. Those hurt include two officers who attended the scene.
A wounded man is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the attack. He described he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
