Information Available Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Terror Attack

A minimum of 16 people were killed and in excess of 40 were hurt when gunmen shot at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have stated the number of fatalities stands at 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were transported to hospital.

The deceased have not yet been formally identified, but police believe their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the individuals who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“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, have his life ended in this way?” a family member said.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their newest son in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.

She described the moments leading up to the shooting, stating they had been standing together 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 endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

In a statement, a senior official said that France shared the grief of 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 message read.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

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

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with several in a critical state. The injured comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

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

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