What We Know Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

No fewer than 16 individuals lost their lives and over 40 sustained injuries when assailants shot at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local police have labeled a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 injured people were transported to hospital.

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

Here are the victims who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Reportedly a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a joyful 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 said.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their youngest child just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.

She recounted the events leading up to the attack, saying they had been standing together when the shooting began. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, a senior official expressed that France mourned with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the message continued.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was a fatality in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with a number in a critical state. The injured include two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Described as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He described he listened to “a large number” of gunshots.

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