What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Terror Attack

At least 16 people perished and in excess of 40 were hurt when gunmen fired on a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, officials have stated the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were taken to the hospital.

The victims are still awaiting formally identified, but investigators think their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the individuals who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How is it possible that a happy rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a relative remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.

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

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

Officially, the Foreign Minister declared that France stood with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the message read.

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

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

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many are still receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. The injured include two police officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also noted 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 another casualty in the attack. He said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”