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

A minimum of 16 people lost their lives and more than 40 were hurt when attackers fired on a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities have called a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have stated the number of fatalities stands at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were taken to medical facilities.

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

Below are the victims who have been named to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father of five children, he was the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How is it possible that 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 youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.

She described the moments before the attack, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having faced immense hardship in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, a senior official expressed that France mourned with 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 antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message read.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

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

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, many are still under care, with a number in critical condition. Those hurt comprise two officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the attack. He described he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”