What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

At least 16 individuals lost their lives and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when assailants shot at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities have called a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, authorities have stated the number of fatalities stands at 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 injured people were admitted to medical facilities.

The victims are yet to be officially identified, but police believe their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the individuals who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances 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 joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a relative said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.

She told the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.

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

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

In a statement, a senior official said that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the statement continued.

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was a fatality during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with five in critical condition. The injured comprise two officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”