What We Know Regarding the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 people perished and over 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, officials have confirmed the number of fatalities stands at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 people with injuries were transported to medical facilities.

The victims have not yet been formally identified, but authorities state their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the individuals who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Known as a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“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 celebrated the arrival of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.

She described the moments leading up to the shooting, saying they were standing when the gunfire started. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message read.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, according to reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospitals, many are still receiving treatment, with a number in serious condition. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.

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

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

In a message, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the shooting. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of gunshots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”