What We Know Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 lives lost their lives and over 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, officials have confirmed the death toll is 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 injured people were taken to medical facilities.

Those who died have not yet been officially identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the individuals who have been named at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father-of-five, he worked as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a happy rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a relative asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.

She recounted the moments before the shooting, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having faced immense hardship in their childhood. They had later immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, a senior official expressed that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

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

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was a fatality in the incident, according to multiple sources citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, many 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 bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He said he heard “a large number” of gunshots.

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