Information Available Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 individuals lost their lives and more than 40 were wounded when attackers shot at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities have called a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, officials have stated the number of fatalities remains at 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 injured people were admitted to medical facilities.

The deceased are still awaiting officially identified, but authorities state their ages are between 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the victims who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Known as a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends remembered 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, lose his life in this way?” a family member asked.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.

She described the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the shooting 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 experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, many are still under care, with a number in critical condition. Those hurt comprise two officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

Communicating, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”