What We Know About the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 lives were killed and over 40 sustained injuries when gunmen fired on a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, authorities have stated the death toll is 16, encompassing one of the alleged attackers. Furthermore, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to the hospital.

The victims are still awaiting formally identified, but police believe their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“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, lose his life 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 also lost his life, according to his wife.

She recounted the moments before the shooting, saying they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having faced immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

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

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was among those killed in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with five in a critical state. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

He wrote, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He told reporters he heard “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 said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”