What We Know Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

At least 16 lives were killed and more than 40 sustained injuries when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, authorities have announced the death toll stands at 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Additionally, 42 injured people were taken to medical facilities.

The victims are still awaiting officially identified, but investigators think their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.

Listed are the individuals who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Described as a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances remembered 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, meet his end in this way?” a family member remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events leading up to the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced immense hardship in their childhood. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

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

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the statement read.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was also killed during the attack, according to reports citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, many are still under care, with several in serious condition. The injured comprise two officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Called a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

He wrote, he described the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”