What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Shooting

No fewer than 16 lives lost their lives and in excess of 40 were hurt when attackers fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities have labeled a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, authorities have stated the death toll stands at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were taken to medical facilities.

Those who died are still awaiting formally identified, but investigators think their ages are from 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the victims who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Described as a father-of-five, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances remembered him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant 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 share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, meet his end 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 also lost his life, according to his wife.

She told the moments leading up to the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

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

Dan Elkayam

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

In a statement, the Foreign Minister 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 hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the statement continued.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed during the attack, as per reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain under care, with several in serious condition. Those hurt include two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He described he heard “a large number” of gunshots.

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”