Information Available About the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

At least 16 lives were killed and over 40 were hurt when attackers fired on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities have called a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities stands at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were admitted to the hospital.

The victims are still awaiting officially identified, but authorities state their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the individuals who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.

“How can a happy rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a relative remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the events leading up to the shooting, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

Officially, the Foreign Minister said that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the statement continued.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was among those killed during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, many are still receiving treatment, with several in critical condition. The injured comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.

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

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was wounded 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 came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He told reporters he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”