Information Available About the Fatalities of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

At least 16 individuals lost their lives and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local police are describing as a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities remains at 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 injured people were admitted to the hospital.

The victims are still awaiting officially identified, but police believe their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Described as a father of five children, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.

“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a family member asked.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their newest son just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the moments leading up to the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire began. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she stated.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

In a statement, a senior official 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 antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” 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 citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, many are still receiving treatment, with a number in a critical state. The injured include two officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, 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.”