A minimum of 16 individuals perished and more than 40 were hurt when assailants shot at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.
According to the most recent information, authorities have announced the death toll stands at 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 injured people were taken to hospital.
The deceased are still awaiting officially identified, but police believe their ages are between 10 and 87 years of age.
Listed are the victims who have been named to date.
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Known as a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members 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, have his life ended in this way?” a family member remarked.
Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their newest son just a few months ago.
Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.
She recounted the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire began. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.
The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.
The French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.
In a statement, a senior official said 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 combat,” the statement continued.
A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.
A national of Israel was a fatality in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. Those hurt comprise two police officers who attended the scene.
One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Sources state he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.
He wrote, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.
Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He said he heard “a large number” of shots.
“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”
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