Information Available Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 people perished and in excess of 40 were wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local police are describing as a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the death toll is 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were transported to medical facilities.

Those who died are still awaiting publicly named, but authorities state their ages are from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the individuals who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Reportedly a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant 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, meet his end in this way?” a family member remarked.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.

She recounted the moments before the attack, stating they were standing when the gunfire began. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

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

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was also killed during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with five in a critical state. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

Communicating, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”