No fewer than 16 individuals lost their lives and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when attackers shot at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.
According to the most recent information, authorities have stated the death toll stands at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 injured people were transported to hospital.
Those who died are yet to be publicly named, but authorities state their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.
Below are the victims who have been named so far.
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.
Reportedly a father of five children, he was the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant 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, lose his life in this way?” a family member said.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.
She recounted the moments leading up to the attack, saying they were standing when the gunfire began. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she stated.
The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.
French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
Publicly, the Foreign Minister expressed that France mourned with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This low 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.
A child who was rushed to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.
An Israeli citizen was also killed in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number remain under care, with five in critical condition. The injured comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.
A wounded man is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Called a hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.
He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He described he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.
“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”
A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in online gambling, specializing in slot machine reviews and player strategy.
