What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 people perished and over 40 were hurt when gunmen shot at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have labeled a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the death toll is 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to medical facilities.

The victims are yet to be officially identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the individuals who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of 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 spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a relative asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.

She told the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was also killed in the incident, according to 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 critical condition. The injured include two officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

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

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”