What We Know Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Terror Attack

A minimum of 16 people lost their lives and more than 40 were wounded when attackers shot at a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police are describing as a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, officials have announced the death toll is 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 injured people were taken to medical facilities.

Those who died have not yet been officially identified, but investigators think their ages span between 10 and 87 years of age.

Here are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing 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, lose his life in this way?” a family member asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.

She described the moments leading up to the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had later moved to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

Publicly, a senior official expressed that France mourned 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 put a stop to,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. The injured include two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a hero, he received gunshot 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 incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”