What We Know Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 individuals lost their lives and over 40 were hurt when attackers fired on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack local police are describing as a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, authorities have stated the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were admitted to the hospital.

The victims are yet to be publicly named, but police believe their ages span between 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the individuals who have been named to date.

Eli Schlanger

London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Described as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable 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 family member remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events before the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

Publicly, the Foreign Minister expressed that France mourned with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the statement continued.

One Child

A child who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was also killed in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with a number in serious condition. Those hurt include two police officers who attended the scene.

A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Hailed as a hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. It has been reported he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the attack. He described he heard “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. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”