What We Know About the Victims of the Bondi Terror Attack

At least 16 people perished and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when attackers opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local police have called a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have stated the number of fatalities is 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were admitted to medical facilities.

The victims are yet to be officially identified, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the individuals who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father of five children, he was the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant 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, have his life ended in this way?” a relative remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.

She described the events before the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire began. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced immense hardship in their childhood. They had later immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the message read.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

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

A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he received bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Sources state he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”