Information Available About the Victims of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 individuals were killed and more than 40 were hurt when attackers shot at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have confirmed the death toll is 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were admitted to medical facilities.

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

Below are the individuals who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Described as a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a joyful 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 family member asked.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their newest son in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.

She recounted the events leading up to the shooting, saying they were standing when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she said.

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

Dan Elkayam

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

In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France mourned with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the statement read.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, many are still under care, with a number in critical condition. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a hero, he received gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Sources state he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”