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

At least 16 people perished and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when assailants opened fire at a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police have called a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, authorities have announced the death toll is 16, encompassing one of the alleged attackers. Furthermore, 42 injured people were taken to medical facilities.

The victims have not yet been officially identified, but investigators think 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 to be publicly identified.

Known as a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a happy rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a relative asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.

She described the moments before the attack, stating they were standing when the shooting started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having faced immense hardship in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

In a statement, a senior official expressed that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message continued.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, according to reports citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with several in critical condition. The injured comprise two officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Described as a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”