What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 lives lost their lives and over 40 were hurt when assailants shot at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police are describing as a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to hospital.

The victims have not yet been formally identified, but police believe their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the individuals who have been named to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends 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, have his life ended in this way?” a relative said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She described the moments before the shooting, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

Publicly, the Foreign Minister declared that France stood with his family and loved ones, 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 message read.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was also killed during the attack, as per reports citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with five in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the shooting. He said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

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