What We Know Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 individuals were killed and in excess of 40 were hurt when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, authorities have announced the number of fatalities stands at 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were admitted to hospital.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified, but police believe their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Described as a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How can 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 relative asked.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their newest son just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.

She recounted the events before the attack, stating they had been standing together when the shooting started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was among those killed in the incident, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number are still under care, with five in serious condition. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Described as a hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He told reporters he listened to “a large number” of gunshots.

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