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

A minimum of 16 lives lost their lives and in excess of 40 were wounded when gunmen fired on a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, officials have confirmed the number of fatalities is 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 people with injuries were taken to hospital.

The victims have not yet been formally identified, but police believe their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Known as a father-of-five, he was the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances remembered him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“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, meet his end in this way?” a family member asked.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their newest son in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.

She described the moments before the attack, saying they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The husband and wife 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 confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

Officially, a senior official declared that France stood with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was a fatality in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number remain under care, with five in a critical state. The injured comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Sources state he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”