What We Know Regarding the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 individuals perished and over 40 sustained injuries when assailants fired on a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, authorities have announced the death toll stands at 16, encompassing one of the alleged attackers. Moreover, 42 injured people were transported to hospital.

The deceased have not yet been publicly named, but authorities state their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who have been named to date.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Reportedly a father of five children, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.

“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, meet his end in this way?” a family member asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She described the moments before the attack, explaining they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

Officially, the Foreign Minister expressed that France mourned with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was a fatality in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain receiving treatment, with several in critical condition. The injured comprise two officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well 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.

He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He said 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 was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”