What We Know Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 people perished and over 40 were wounded when attackers fired on a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local police are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have announced the number of fatalities remains at 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 people with injuries were admitted to hospital.

The victims have not yet been publicly named, but authorities state their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father-of-five, he worked as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.

“How is it possible that a happy 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 birth of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the events leading up to the shooting, saying they were standing when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

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

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, according to multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

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

One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. It has been reported he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

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

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”