A minimum of 16 people perished and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when attackers shot at a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities have called a act of terrorism.
According to the most recent information, officials have stated the death toll is 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were transported to hospital.
Those who died have not yet been publicly named, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.
Here are the victims who have been named to date.
Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.
Known as a father-of-five, he served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.
“How is it possible that a joyful 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 birth of their youngest child in October.
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.
She recounted the moments leading up to the shooting, stating they had been standing together when the shooting started. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.
The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced immense hardship in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.
The French foreign ministry have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
In a statement, a senior official expressed that France stood with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the message read.
A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.
A national of Israel was also killed in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.
From the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. The injured include two officers who attended the scene.
One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Described as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.
Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.
In a message, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he listened to “a large number” of gunshots.
“I thought it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
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