What We Know Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

At least 16 lives were killed and more than 40 were wounded when assailants fired on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local police have called a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have stated the death toll is 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were taken to medical facilities.

Those who died have not yet been officially identified, but investigators think their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Described as a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How is it possible that a happy rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a family member asked.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their newest son just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.

She told the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire began. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having faced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

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

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain under care, with five in a critical state. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response 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 attack. He described he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”