Information Available About the Fatalities of the Bondi Shooting

At least 16 lives perished and over 40 were wounded when gunmen fired on a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have stated the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were taken to the hospital.

The deceased are yet to be officially identified, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life 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 spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a relative remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the moments before the attack, stating they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

Publicly, a senior official declared that France stood with his family and loved ones, 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 continued.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was among those killed during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported 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 bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Called a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. It has been reported he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the attack. He described he heard “a large number” of shots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, 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.”