What We Know Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 lives perished and more than 40 were hurt when assailants opened fire at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian police have called a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the death toll is 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were transported to the hospital.

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

Here 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.

Reportedly a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends described 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 share joy and positivity, 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 birth 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 recalled.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

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

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

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

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain under care, with five in a critical state. The injured comprise two officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”