What We Know Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Terror Attack

At least 16 lives lost their lives and more than 40 sustained injuries when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities is 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were admitted to medical facilities.

The deceased are still awaiting officially identified, but police believe their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the individuals who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Described as a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a relative remarked.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their newest son in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.

She described the events leading up to the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting began. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

Publicly, a senior official declared that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality during the attack, as per reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with several in a critical state. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”