Information Available Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Shooting
At least 16 individuals were killed and over 40 were wounded when attackers shot at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police are describing as a terrorist attack.
In the latest update, officials have confirmed the number of fatalities stands at 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were transported to hospital.
The deceased are yet to be publicly named, but authorities state their ages are from 10 and 87 years of age.
Below are the individuals who have been identified so far.
Eli Schlanger
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Reportedly a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How is it possible that 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 relative remarked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently 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, explaining they were standing when the gunfire erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.
The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
In a statement, a senior official 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 has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
One victim from Israel was among those killed in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with several in a critical state. Those hurt include two police officers who attended the scene.
A wounded man is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Called a local hero, he sustained bullet 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.
Communicating, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He said he listened to “a large number” of shots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”