What We Know About the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 lives were killed and in excess of 40 were hurt when attackers shot at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have labeled a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, authorities have announced the number of fatalities remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to hospital.

Those who died have not yet been formally identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the individuals who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Known as a father of five children, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“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 relative said.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their youngest child just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.

She recounted the moments before the shooting, explaining they were standing when the gunfire began. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

Publicly, a senior official said that France mourned with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the statement continued.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was a fatality in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number are still under care, with five in a critical state. The injured comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.

A casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. 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 explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”