What We Know Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

At least 16 people perished and over 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have stated the death toll remains at 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were taken to medical facilities.

The victims are yet to be officially identified, but investigators think their ages are from 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father-of-five, he served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How can 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 arrival of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.

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

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

Dan Elkayam

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

In a statement, the Foreign Minister expressed that France shared the grief of 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 hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the statement continued.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was among those killed in the incident, as per reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, many remain under care, with several in a critical state. The injured comprise two officers who attended the scene.

A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Sources state he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

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