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

No fewer than 16 people lost their lives and over 40 sustained injuries when gunmen fired on a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have labeled a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, officials have confirmed the death toll is 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 injured people were admitted to medical facilities.

Those who died are still awaiting publicly named, but police believe their ages are between 10 and 87 years of age.

Here are the victims who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Known as a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant 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 share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a relative said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the moments before the attack, saying they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

Officially, 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 disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the message read.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was rushed to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was also killed in the incident, according to multiple sources citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain under care, with several in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. 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. Reports indicate he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”