What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 people lost their lives and over 40 were hurt when assailants fired on a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, officials have announced the number of fatalities is 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to the hospital.

The victims have not yet been formally identified, but police believe their ages span between 10 and 87 years of age.

Here are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father-of-five, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances 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 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 asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the moments before the shooting, stating they were standing when the gunfire started. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

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

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the message read.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

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

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. The injured comprise two officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a hero, he received bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Sources state he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He told reporters he listened to “a large number” of shots.

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