What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 lives lost their lives and more than 40 were hurt when gunmen shot at a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, officials have confirmed the number of fatalities remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were transported to hospital.

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

Here are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father of five children, 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 kind and sociable 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 family member remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.

She described the events before the shooting, saying they had been standing together when the gunfire erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the statement continued.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 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 in the incident, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number remain under care, with five in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. It has been reported he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”