What We Know About the Victims of the Bondi Beach Shooting

A minimum of 16 individuals perished and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when attackers opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident local police are describing as a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, officials have announced the number of fatalities stands at 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were transported to the hospital.

The victims are yet to be officially identified, but authorities state their ages are between 10 and 87 years old.

Listed are the victims who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How is it possible that a happy 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 birth of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the moments leading up to the shooting, stating they had been standing together when the shooting began. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she said.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

Publicly, a senior official said that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This despicable act 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, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality during the attack, as per reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain receiving treatment, with five in a critical state. The injured include two officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he described the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He described he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”