What We Know Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

At least 16 individuals lost their lives and in excess of 40 were hurt when attackers opened fire at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities have called a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities is 16, including one of the alleged attackers. Moreover, 42 injured people were admitted to the hospital.

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

Below are the victims who have been identified at this time.

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 Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances remembered him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How is it possible that a joyful 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 celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.

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

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having faced immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

Publicly, a senior official said that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the statement continued.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with a number in a critical state. Those hurt include two police officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen. Hailed as a hero, he received bullet 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 described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He said he listened to “a large number” of gunshots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”