What We Know Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 individuals were killed and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when attackers opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the death toll stands at 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 injured people were admitted to the hospital.

Those who died are yet to be officially identified, but police believe their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.

Listed are the individuals who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father-of-five, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a happy rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a family member said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She described the events leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire erupted. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having faced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

Officially, the Foreign Minister said that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was among those killed in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with several in a critical state. Those hurt comprise two officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response 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 said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of shots.

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