What We Know About the Those Lost of the Bondi Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 individuals perished and more than 40 sustained injuries when assailants shot at a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were transported to hospital.

The victims are still awaiting officially identified, but authorities state their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who have been identified at this time.

Eli Schlanger

London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Described as a father of five children, he served as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant 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, meet his end in this way?” a relative said.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she said.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their youth. They had later immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

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

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, police have confirmed.

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 transported to hospital, a significant number remain under care, with several in a critical state. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. It has been reported he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of shots.

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