Information Available About the Victims of the Bondi Beach Shooting

No fewer than 16 people perished and over 40 were hurt when attackers fired on a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police have called a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, officials have stated the number of fatalities is 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were transported to the hospital.

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

Listed are the individuals who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances described 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, 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 confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.

She recounted the events leading up to the attack, stating they were standing when the gunfire started. “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 youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

In a statement, a senior official said that France mourned with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the message read.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with several in serious condition. Those hurt include two 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 sustained gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”