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

A minimum of 16 lives lost their lives and over 40 sustained injuries when gunmen fired on a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, authorities have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were transported to the hospital.

The deceased are still awaiting formally identified, but investigators think their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.

Listed are the victims who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Described as a father-of-five, he was the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“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, meet his end in this way?” a family member said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the moments before the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire began. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

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

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, 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 disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the statement continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain under care, with several in critical condition. The injured include two officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Sources state he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he recounted the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”