Information Available About the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

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

As of the newest reports, officials have announced the number of fatalities is 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 injured people were transported to hospital.

The victims are still awaiting officially identified, but police believe their ages range from 10 and 87 years of age.

Here are the individuals who are known 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 served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a happy rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a family member remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.

She recounted the moments leading up to the shooting, saying they were standing when the shooting began. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

Publicly, a senior official expressed that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality during the attack, as per reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with a number in a critical state. The injured include two officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Described as a hero, he received 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.

In a message, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

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

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