Information Available About the Fatalities of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

At least 16 people were killed and more than 40 were hurt when attackers fired on a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have stated the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 injured people were admitted to medical facilities.

The victims have not yet been officially identified, but police believe their ages are between 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How can a happy rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a relative asked.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their newest son just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She described the moments leading up to the shooting, saying they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

In a statement, the Foreign Minister said that France mourned with his family, 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 continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was also killed in the incident, as per reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with several in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”