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

No fewer than 16 people perished and in excess of 40 were hurt when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities have called a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, officials have announced the number of fatalities remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were transported to medical facilities.

The deceased are still awaiting publicly named, but police believe their ages are from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father-of-five, he was the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances remembered 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, lose his life in this way?” a relative said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.

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

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the message 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

One victim from Israel was also killed during the attack, according to multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain under care, with a number in critical condition. Those hurt comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

In a message, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response 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 also injured in the shooting. He described he heard “a large number” of gunshots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”