Information Available Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 individuals lost their lives and in excess of 40 were wounded when attackers opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were transported to the hospital.

The deceased are still awaiting officially identified, but investigators think their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the victims who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How is it possible that 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 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 confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.

She told the events leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

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

“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was a fatality in the incident, according to multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with several in a critical state. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the attack. He described he listened to “a large number” of gunshots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”