What We Know Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Terror Attack

A minimum of 16 people lost their lives and over 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police have called a terrorist attack.

According to the most recent information, officials have stated the death toll stands at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 people with injuries were taken to the hospital.

The victims are yet to be officially identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the victims who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.

“How is it possible that 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 relative said.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they had been standing together 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 immense hardship in their childhood. They had later relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message continued.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with several in critical condition. Those hurt include two police officers who responded to the attack.

A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a hero, he received gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”