No fewer than 16 individuals were killed and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian police are describing as a act of terrorism.
In the latest update, officials have stated the number of fatalities stands at 16, encompassing one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were taken to hospital.
The victims have not yet been formally identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.
Listed are the individuals who are known at this time.
Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.
Described as a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life 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, meet his end in this way?” a relative said.
Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their newest son in October.
Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.
She told the events leading up to the attack, stating they were standing when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.
The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.
French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.
Publicly, a senior official declared that France mourned with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.
“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.
A child who was rushed to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.
One victim from Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per reports citing the Israeli government.
Of the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number remain under care, with five in serious condition. Those hurt include two police officers who responded to the attack.
A casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Called 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 injured and underwent treatment in hospital.
Communicating, he recounted the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.
Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He said he listened to “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’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”
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