What We Know Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Beach Shooting

No fewer than 16 lives lost their lives and more than 40 were hurt when attackers opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities have called a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have stated the number of fatalities remains at 16, which includes one of the alleged attackers. Furthermore, 42 injured people were admitted to medical facilities.

The victims are yet to be formally identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the individuals who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Reportedly a father-of-five, he was the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a family member said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.

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

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

Officially, the Foreign Minister declared that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

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

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with five in a critical state. Those hurt comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Sources state he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”