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

No fewer than 16 individuals were killed and in excess of 40 were hurt when gunmen fired on a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities have called a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, authorities have stated the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 wounded individuals were transported to medical facilities.

The deceased are still awaiting publicly named, but authorities state their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father of five children, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life 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 said.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.

She described the events before the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire began. “He pushed his body up 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 relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France stood with his family, 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 eradicate,” the message read.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was a fatality during the attack, according to multiple sources citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain under care, with five in critical condition. The injured comprise two 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 hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”