What We Know Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 individuals perished and over 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.

According to the most recent information, officials have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the alleged attackers. Moreover, 42 injured people were transported to hospital.

Those who died have not yet been formally identified, but police believe their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Reportedly a father-of-five, he worked as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends described 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 spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a relative said.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the moments leading up to the shooting, saying they were standing when the gunfire started. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.

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

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

Officially, a senior official expressed that France stood 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 put a stop to,” the message read.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was also killed during the attack, according to reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with several in a critical state. Those hurt include two police officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. It has been reported he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he described the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. 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 told reporters he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”