What We Know Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 people lost their lives and over 40 sustained injuries when attackers fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities have called a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have stated the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to hospital.

The deceased are still awaiting officially identified, but police believe their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the individuals who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

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

“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 family member remarked.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their youngest child just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She described the moments leading up to the shooting, explaining they were standing when the gunfire began. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.

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

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

Publicly, a senior official expressed that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, 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 put a stop to,” the statement read.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number remain under care, with several in a critical state. Those hurt include two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. It has been reported he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters 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 explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”