Information Available About the Fatalities of the Bondi Shooting

A minimum of 16 lives were killed and more than 40 were wounded when attackers fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities have called a terrorist attack.

According to the most recent information, authorities have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were transported to medical facilities.

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

Below are the victims who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Known as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How can a happy 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 birth of their newest son in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.

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

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the statement continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was also killed in the incident, as per reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number are still under care, with several in critical condition. Those hurt include two officers who attended the scene.

A wounded man is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen. Hailed as a hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He described he heard “a large number” of gunshots.

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