Information Available About the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident
A minimum of 16 lives perished and more than 40 sustained injuries when attackers opened fire at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities have called a act of terrorism.
According to the most recent information, authorities have stated the number of fatalities is 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were taken to hospital.
The deceased are yet to be formally identified, but investigators think their ages are between 10 and 87 years old.
Below are the individuals who have been named to date.
Eli Schlanger
London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Known as a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends remembered him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How can a happy rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a relative asked.
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, according to his wife.
She described the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.
The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
In a statement, a senior official expressed that France mourned with his family and loved ones, 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 eradicate,” the message 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 among those killed in the incident, according to reports citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain under care, with five in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two officers who responded to the attack.
A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.
In a message, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the shooting. He said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
