A heart-wrenching tragedy has unfolded following the horrific attack at Bondi Beach. A 12-year-old girl, severely wounded in the incident, has died in hospital. The devastating news was shared by Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, who confirmed that the girl was the daughter of a family friend.
Speaking to CNN, Ryvchin expressed the personal impact of the attack, saying, “I know everyone who was there,” and that he attends this annual event with his family every year, making the loss all the more painful.
Initially, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon had stated that no children were believed to be among the fatalities, though he left open the possibility of a child being among the injured. He emphasized caution in releasing information too soon, noting the early stages of investigation and hospital reports.
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Among the 12 individuals killed was Eli Schlanger, a British-born rabbi, confirmed by his family. The New South Wales Police have classified the event as a terrorist incident, with one attacker killed and another in critical condition.
The attack took place in Archer Park near Bondi Beach at 6:47 pm local time on Sunday when two armed assailants opened fire on a crowd. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the event as a deliberate assault targeting Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah—a night meant for celebration and peace, now forever marked by horror.
The community mourns deeply as investigations continue and support pours in for the victims' families.