What We Know Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Shooting
At least 16 people lost their lives and over 40 were wounded when gunmen fired on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.
As of the newest reports, officials have announced the number of fatalities remains at 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 injured people were taken to the hospital.
The victims are still awaiting publicly named, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years of age.
Below are the victims who have been identified to date.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Described as a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.
“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a relative asked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their youngest child in October.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.
She described the moments leading up to the shooting, saying they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.
The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
French foreign ministry have confirmed 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 cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the statement read.
One Child
A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was among those killed in the incident, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with five in critical condition. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.
A wounded man is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.
In a message, he recounted the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he listened to “dozens and dozens” of shots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”
