What We Know Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

At least 16 individuals were killed and over 40 sustained injuries when attackers opened fire at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police have called a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have stated the number of fatalities stands at 16, encompassing one of the alleged attackers. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to medical facilities.

The victims are still awaiting formally identified, but investigators think their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.

Listed are the victims who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Described as a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“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 family member remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.

She recounted the moments before the shooting, stating they were standing when the shooting began. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

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

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message 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

An Israeli citizen was also killed during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain under care, with five in a critical state. Those hurt include two police officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Sources state he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”