What We Know Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

At least 16 individuals perished and over 40 sustained injuries when gunmen shot at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities have called a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have announced the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 wounded individuals were transported to medical facilities.

Those who died are yet to be publicly named, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the individuals who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Described as a father-of-five, he was the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can 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 relative asked.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.

She told the events leading up to the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

In a statement, a senior official declared that France stood with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the message read.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, many are still receiving treatment, with several in critical condition. Those hurt include two police officers who responded to the attack.

A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Hailed as a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. It has been reported he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he listened to “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’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”