A minimum of 16 people were killed and more than 40 sustained injuries when gunmen fired on a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack local police 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 suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 injured people were admitted to medical facilities.
The victims have not yet been formally identified, but authorities state their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.
Listed are the victims who are known at this time.
Eli Schlanger
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Reportedly a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable 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 asked.
Schlanger and his wife 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 shooting started. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.
The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Ukraine.
Dan Elkayam
The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.
In a statement, a senior official expressed that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the message read.
One Child
A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.
One Israeli Citizen
An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.
Those Injured
Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with five in serious condition. The injured comprise two police officers who attended the scene.
A wounded man is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Described as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.
Arsen Ostrovsky
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Sources state he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the shooting. 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. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
