Information Available Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

At least 16 people lost their lives and over 40 sustained injuries when gunmen fired on a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police are describing as a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, officials have announced the number of fatalities stands at 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were transported to the hospital.

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

Below are the individuals who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father of five children, he was the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“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 family member remarked.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.

She recounted the moments before the shooting, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

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, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was also killed in the incident, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, many are still receiving treatment, with several in a critical state. The injured comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.

A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the attack. He said 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 explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”