What We Know Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 individuals perished and in excess of 40 were hurt when attackers fired on a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian police are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have announced the number of fatalities stands at 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 injured people were admitted to hospital.

Those who died are still awaiting formally identified, but investigators think their ages are between 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the victims who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Reportedly a father-of-five, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How is it possible that a happy rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a family member remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.

She recounted the moments before the attack, saying they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

Publicly, the Foreign Minister declared that France mourned with 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 Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was also killed during the attack, according to multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number remain under care, with several in serious condition. The injured comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. It has been reported he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He described 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 said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”