The Details Known Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Terrorist Incident
At least 16 individuals were killed and more than 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have labeled a act of terrorism.
According to the most recent information, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were taken to the hospital.
The deceased are yet to be formally identified, but authorities state their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.
Listed are the individuals who are known at this time.
Eli Schlanger
London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Reportedly a father-of-five, he was the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.
“How can a happy 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 remarked.
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 recounted the moments before the attack, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire began. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.
The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France mourned with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message continued.
One Child
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was also killed during the attack, according to reports citing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
From the 42 people taken to hospital, many remain under care, with a number in serious condition. The injured 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 hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He stated 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 heard “a large number” of shots.
“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
