What We Know Regarding the Those Lost of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

At least 16 individuals lost their lives and over 40 were wounded when attackers fired on a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police are describing as a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the number of fatalities stands at 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to the hospital.

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

Below are the victims who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a family member remarked.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their youngest child just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the moments before the shooting, explaining they were standing when the gunfire began. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.

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

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the statement continued.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many are still receiving treatment, with several in critical condition. The injured comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Called 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.

Communicating, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

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

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