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

At least 16 lives were killed and more than 40 were hurt when assailants shot at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, officials have announced the number of fatalities stands at 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were admitted to the hospital.

The deceased are still awaiting formally identified, but investigators think their ages are from 10 and 87 years of age.

Here are the victims who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Reportedly a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances remembered 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, meet his end in this way?” a relative said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.

She told the moments leading up to the attack, stating they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced immense hardship in their childhood. They had later immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, the Foreign Minister said that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the statement 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

One victim from Israel was a fatality during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, many are still under care, with several in a critical state. Those hurt include two police officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Called a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”