Information Available About the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 lives perished and over 40 sustained injuries when attackers fired on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident local police have called a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, officials have stated the number of fatalities remains at 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were taken to medical facilities.

Those who died are yet to be officially identified, but authorities state their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.

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, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How is it possible that a happy 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 said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

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

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

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

Officially, the Foreign Minister expressed that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

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

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, many remain receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.

A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Hailed as a hero, he received gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. It has been reported he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

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

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He told reporters he listened to “a large number” of shots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”