What We Know About the Victims of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 individuals were killed and over 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian police have called a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have stated the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to medical facilities.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified, but police believe their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father of five children, he was the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a joyful 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 family member asked.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival 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 events before the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she said.

The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had later immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, the Foreign Minister said 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 disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message read.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was a fatality in the incident, as per reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, many are still under care, with a number in critical condition. The injured include two police 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 gunmen. Described as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Sources state he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He said he listened to “a large number” of shots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”