What We Know Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

At least 16 individuals lost their lives and more than 40 sustained injuries when assailants fired on a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police have labeled a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, officials have confirmed the death toll stands at 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 people with injuries were admitted to medical facilities.

The victims have not yet been formally identified, but police believe their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the individuals who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

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

“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 said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.

She recounted the moments leading up to the shooting, explaining they were standing when the shooting began. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

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

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the statement continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was also killed during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From 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 wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Sources state he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He said 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.

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