What We Know Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Beach Shooting

No fewer than 16 individuals perished and in excess of 40 were wounded when attackers fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

According to the most recent information, authorities have announced the number of fatalities is 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were admitted to hospital.

The victims are still awaiting formally identified, but police believe their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.

Here are the victims who have been named at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends spoke of 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 share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a family member asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events before the shooting, saying they had been standing together when the shooting started. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the message continued.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was a fatality during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with five in critical condition. Those hurt comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition 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.

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the attack. He said he heard “a large number” of shots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”