What We Know Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 lives were killed and over 40 sustained injuries when attackers shot at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local police have called a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, authorities have announced the number of fatalities stands at 16, encompassing one of the alleged attackers. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were transported to medical facilities.

The deceased are still awaiting officially identified, but authorities state their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the individuals who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Reportedly a father-of-five, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“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 family member said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.

She described the moments before the shooting, stating they had been standing together 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 endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

In a statement, a senior official said that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message continued.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

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

A casualty is a member of the public who rushed to the scene 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 human rights lawyer. Sources state he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he described the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of gunshots.

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