Information Available About the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

At least 16 people lost their lives and over 40 sustained injuries when assailants fired on a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, authorities have announced the death toll remains at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 people with injuries were admitted to hospital.

The victims have not yet been formally identified, but investigators think their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the individuals who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father of five children, he was the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant 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, lose his life in this way?” a family member asked.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their newest son just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.

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

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

Publicly, the Foreign Minister said 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 hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the statement continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, according to reports citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. The injured include two officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He described he listened to “a large number” of shots.

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