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

No fewer than 16 individuals were killed and over 40 were wounded when attackers opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

According to the most recent information, officials have announced the death toll is 16, which includes one of the alleged attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were taken to medical facilities.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified, but investigators think their ages are between 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims 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 was the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing 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 family member said.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their newest son in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events before the attack, saying they were standing when the gunfire started. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. 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.

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

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

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was a fatality in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number are still under care, with a number in critical condition. The injured include two officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Described as a hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Sources state he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

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

Evan Zlatkis

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

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”