What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 people perished and over 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police are describing as a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have stated the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the alleged attackers. Moreover, 42 injured people were taken to hospital.

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

Below are the victims who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends remembered him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How can 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 birth of their newest son just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the moments leading up to the attack, saying they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

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

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

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

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number remain under care, with several in a critical state. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.

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

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Sources state he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the shooting. He described he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”