Information Available About the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 people perished and over 40 sustained injuries when assailants shot at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the number of fatalities is 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were admitted to the hospital.

The victims are still awaiting publicly named, but police believe their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Known as a father of five children, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends remembered 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, have his life ended in this way?” a relative remarked.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the moments before the attack, saying they were standing when the gunfire erupted. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she said.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France stood with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

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

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, as per reports citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, many are still under care, with five in serious condition. The injured comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the shooting. He described 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 was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”