Information Available Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 people were killed and over 40 sustained injuries when attackers opened fire at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities is 16, encompassing one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were transported to the hospital.

Those who died are still awaiting publicly named, but police believe their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. 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, lose his life in this way?” a family member said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events leading up to the shooting, saying they were standing when the gunfire started. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, a senior official expressed that France mourned with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed during the attack, as per reports citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

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

A casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”