Information Available Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Shooting
No fewer than 16 individuals lost their lives and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when assailants fired on a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local police have called a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, officials have stated the number of fatalities stands at 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 wounded individuals were transported to medical facilities.
Those who died are still awaiting formally identified, but police believe their ages range from 10 and 87 years of age.
Listed are the individuals who have been identified at this time.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Reportedly a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances remembered him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.
“How is it possible that a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a family member said.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival 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 shooting, explaining they were standing when the shooting began. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she stated.
The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have announced that French man 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 low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the message continued.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.
One Israeli Citizen
A national of Israel was a fatality in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
From the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number are still under care, with several in serious condition. The injured include two officers who attended the scene.
One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. It has been reported he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He said he listened to “a large number” of shots.
“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
