Information Available About the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 individuals lost their lives and over 40 were wounded when assailants shot at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police have labeled a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, officials have announced the death toll is 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 people with injuries were transported to hospital.

The deceased have not yet been formally identified, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the individuals who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father-of-five, he served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How can a happy 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 had recently celebrated the arrival of their youngest child just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.

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

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later moved to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, the Foreign Minister said that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the statement continued.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality in the incident, as per reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospitals, many are still receiving treatment, with a number in serious condition. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Called a hero, he received gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

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. I received first aid. I’m ok.”