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

At least 16 people perished and in excess of 40 were wounded when attackers fired on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, authorities have stated the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were taken to the hospital.

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

Below are the individuals who have been named to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.

“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 relative remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.

She recounted the moments leading up to the shooting, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having faced immense hardship in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message read.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality during the attack, according to reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with a number in a critical state. The injured include two officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

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

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. 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 stated. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”