What We Know Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 lives were killed and more than 40 sustained injuries when assailants opened fire at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack local police are describing as a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have announced the death toll stands at 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were admitted to hospital.

The deceased are yet to be formally identified, but investigators think their ages range from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Described as a father of five children, 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 can 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 in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events before the attack, saying they were standing when the gunfire started. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

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

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the statement continued.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

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

Those Injured

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

A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He told reporters he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”