At least 16 people perished and in excess of 40 were hurt when attackers fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities have called a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, officials have announced the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the alleged attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were taken to hospital.
The victims are still awaiting officially identified, but authorities state their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.
Below are the victims who are known to date.
Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Described as a father of five children, 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 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, have his life ended in this way?” a family member said.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their youngest child in October.
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.
She told the moments before the attack, saying they had been standing together when the shooting began. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.
The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Ukraine.
French authorities have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France stood with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message continued.
A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.
An Israeli citizen was a fatality in the incident, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.
From the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number remain under care, with five in a critical state. The injured comprise two officers who responded to the attack.
A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He told reporters he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.
“I thought it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
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Erica Allen
Erica Allen
Erica Allen