What We Know Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Terror Attack
No fewer than 16 lives lost their lives and in excess of 40 were wounded when attackers fired on a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have called a act of terrorism.
According to the most recent information, authorities have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were admitted to the hospital.
The deceased are still awaiting publicly named, but police believe their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.
Here are the individuals who are known to date.
Eli Schlanger
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Described as a father-of-five, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“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 family member asked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their newest son just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.
She told the moments leading up to the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting started. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.
The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French foreign ministry have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
In a statement, a senior official declared that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the message read.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.
One Israeli Citizen
One victim from Israel was a fatality during the attack, according to reports citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain receiving treatment, with five in a critical state. Those hurt comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.
A casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Sources state he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”
