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

No fewer than 16 people perished and over 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities have called a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, authorities have announced the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the alleged attackers. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to medical facilities.

The deceased are yet to be formally identified, but police believe their ages are from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Described as a father-of-five, he was the associate 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 joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a family member remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She described the moments before the attack, stating they had been standing together when the shooting began. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced immense hardship in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the statement continued.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

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

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain under care, with several in a critical state. The injured comprise two officers who responded to the attack.

A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. It has been reported he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted 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 community director, was also injured in the shooting. He described 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 was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”