Information Available Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 individuals lost their lives and in excess of 40 were hurt when attackers fired on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, officials have stated the death toll is 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were taken to medical facilities.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified, but police believe their ages are between 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.

Known as a father-of-five, he was the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How is it possible that 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 family member remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.

She described the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire began. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having faced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the statement read.

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

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

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, many are still receiving treatment, with several in critical condition. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.

A wounded man is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he described the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He told reporters he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”