What We Know About the Victims of the Bondi Terror Attack

At least 16 lives lost their lives and over 40 were hurt when attackers fired on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police have called a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have announced the number of fatalities stands at 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 injured people were taken to the hospital.

The victims are yet to be formally identified, but police believe their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.

Listed are the victims who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Known as a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends remembered him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing 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, lose his life in this way?” a family member asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the moments before the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting started. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having faced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

In a statement, the Foreign Minister expressed that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message read.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was a fatality in the incident, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with five in critical condition. The injured comprise two officers who attended the scene.

A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

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

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He told reporters he listened to “a large number” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”