Information Available Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Terror Attack
No fewer than 16 lives perished and over 40 sustained injuries when assailants shot at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.
As of the newest reports, authorities have stated the death toll is 16, encompassing one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were taken to the hospital.
The deceased have not yet been formally identified, but investigators think their ages are between 10 and 87 years of age.
Listed are the victims who are known at this time.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Reportedly a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.
“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, meet his end in this way?” a relative remarked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their youngest child just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.
She told the moments before the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.
The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
Publicly, the Foreign Minister expressed that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.
One Child
A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
One victim from Israel was a fatality during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with several in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two officers who responded to the attack.
A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is recovering well 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.
He wrote, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of shots.
“I thought it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
