What We Know Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 lives were killed and over 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local police have called a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, officials have stated the number of fatalities is 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were transported to medical facilities.

Those who died are still awaiting formally identified, but police believe their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.

Listed are the victims who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Described as a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends remembered him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a joyful 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 asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the moments leading up to the attack, stating they had been standing together when the shooting started. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror 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 among the victims.

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

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the message read.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, as per reports citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number remain under care, with several in critical condition. The injured comprise two officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”