What We Know Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

A minimum of 16 lives lost their lives and over 40 sustained injuries when attackers fired on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have announced the number of fatalities is 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 injured people were transported to medical facilities.

The deceased are yet to be formally identified, but police believe their ages span between 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Known as a father of five children, he was the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life 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, lose his life in this way?” a family member asked.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the events leading up to the attack, saying they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she said.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having endured immense hardship in their youth. They had later immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

Officially, a senior official expressed 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 disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the statement continued.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was also killed in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, many are still under care, with several in a critical state. The injured include two officers who attended the scene.

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

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. It has been reported he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He said he believed 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 something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”