What We Know Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

At least 16 individuals lost their lives and over 40 were hurt when gunmen fired on a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

According to the most recent information, officials have announced the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 injured people were transported to hospital.

The deceased are yet to be formally identified, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Listed are the individuals who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Reportedly a father of five children, he was the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a happy 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 asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She described the events leading up to the shooting, saying they had been standing together when the shooting began. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

Publicly, the Foreign Minister said that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

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

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was also killed in the incident, as per reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with five in critical condition. The injured include two 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. Described as a local hero, he sustained gunshot 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 praised the response of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the attack. He described 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 stated. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”