What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 people lost their lives and over 40 sustained injuries when gunmen shot at a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have stated the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were transported to medical facilities.

Those who died are still awaiting publicly named, but authorities state their ages span between 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing 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, meet his end in this way?” a relative said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events leading up to the attack, stating they were standing when the shooting began. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the statement continued.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was also killed in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with several in a critical state. Those hurt include two police officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the shooting. He described he heard “a large number” of shots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”