Information Available About the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

A minimum of 16 lives were killed and over 40 were wounded when gunmen fired on a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident local police are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have announced the number of fatalities remains at 16, including 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 span between 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the victims who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father-of-five, he was the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and friends spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a joyful 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 said.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their newest son in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.

She told the moments before the shooting, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire began. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having faced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

In a statement, 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 combat,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, many are still under care, with five in critical condition. The injured include 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 gunmen. Hailed as a hero, he sustained 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 hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions 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 attack. He described he listened to “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”