No fewer than 16 individuals were killed and over 40 were wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.
According to the most recent information, officials have stated the death toll is 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were taken to the hospital.
The deceased are still awaiting formally identified, but police believe their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.
Listed are the victims 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 worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant 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 share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a family member remarked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their newest son just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.
She recounted the events before the attack, stating they were standing when the shooting started. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.
The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
Publicly, a senior official expressed that France stood with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the statement read.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Those Injured
From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with five in serious condition. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.
One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of shots.
“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”
