Information Available About the Victims of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 individuals lost their lives and more than 40 were hurt when gunmen shot at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, officials have confirmed the number of fatalities remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were admitted to hospital.

The victims are yet to be formally identified, but police believe their ages are from 10 and 87 years of age.

Listed are the individuals 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, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How can 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 relative remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.

She described the moments leading up to the shooting, saying they had been standing together when the shooting started. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

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

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was also killed during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number remain under care, with five in serious condition. The injured comprise two officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described 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 media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He described he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

“Initially, I believed 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.”