At least 16 individuals were killed and over 40 were hurt when attackers opened fire at a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police are describing as a terrorist attack.
According to the most recent information, officials have confirmed the death toll is 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were taken to medical facilities.
The victims have not yet been formally identified, but police believe their ages range from 10 and 87 years of age.
Listed are the individuals who are known at this time.
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Known as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.
“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 remarked.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their newest son just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.
She told the events before the shooting, stating they were standing when the shooting started. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.
The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.
French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France mourned with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.
One victim from Israel was among those killed in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
From the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with several in critical condition. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.
One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront 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 community leader. It has been reported he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.
He wrote, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He described he heard “a large number” of shots.
“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”
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