What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 people lost their lives and more than 40 were hurt when gunmen shot at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local police have called a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, officials have confirmed the death toll stands at 16, which includes one of the alleged attackers. Moreover, 42 injured people were transported to hospital.

The victims are yet to be formally identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years of age.

Listed are the victims who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father-of-five, 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 is it possible that a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a family member said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.

She described the moments before the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting started. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.

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

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

Publicly, a senior official declared that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

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

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, many remain receiving treatment, with several in critical condition. Those hurt comprise two officers who responded to the attack.

A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Described as a hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Sources state he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the shooting. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”