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

No fewer than 16 individuals were killed and over 40 sustained injuries when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian police have called a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities is 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were transported to the hospital.

Those who died have not yet been officially identified, but authorities state their ages are from 10 and 87 years of age.

Here are the victims who have been named at this time.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Known as a father-of-five, he worked as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable 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, lose his life in this way?” a relative said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.

She told the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the message read.

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was also killed in the incident, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with five in a critical state. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover 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 described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response 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 told reporters he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

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