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

At least 16 people lost their lives and over 40 were wounded when gunmen fired on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident local police are describing as a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have announced the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to hospital.

The victims have not yet been officially identified, but investigators think their ages are from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who have been identified at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father of five children, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends remembered him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How is it possible that a happy rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a family member remarked.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their newest son just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events before the attack, stating they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

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

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, a senior official said that France stood with his family and loved ones, 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 statement continued.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed during the attack, as per reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with several in serious condition. The injured include two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

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

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He described he listened to “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’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”