What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 individuals lost their lives and over 40 sustained injuries when attackers opened fire at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, officials have stated the death toll stands at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were transported to medical facilities.

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

Below are the individuals who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

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

“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a relative said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.

She told the events before the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting began. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she said.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

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

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the statement read.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with several in serious condition. The injured comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. 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 community leader. It has been reported he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”