The Details Known About the Fatalities of the Bondi Shooting
A minimum of 16 lives perished and over 40 were wounded when assailants fired on a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities have labeled a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, officials have confirmed the number of fatalities stands at 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 wounded individuals were transported to hospital.
The deceased are yet to be formally identified, but investigators think their ages are from 10 and 87 years of age.
Here are the individuals who have been identified to date.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Reportedly a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.
“How can a joyful 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 said.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their youngest child just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.
She recounted the moments leading up to the attack, saying they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she stated.
The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having endured immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
Officially, a senior official said 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 combat,” the message read.
One Child
A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was also killed during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people transported to hospitals, many are still receiving treatment, with five in a critical state. The injured include two officers who attended the scene.
A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Called a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.
In a message, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He described he heard “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 stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
