Information Available About the Victims of the Bondi Terror Attack

A minimum of 16 individuals lost their lives and more than 40 were hurt when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have called a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have announced the number of fatalities remains at 16, including one of the alleged attackers. Additionally, 42 injured people were taken to the hospital.

Those who died are still awaiting formally identified, but authorities state their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the individuals who have been named at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.

“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a family member asked.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival 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 moments leading up to the shooting, explaining they were standing when the gunfire started. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

Publicly, the Foreign Minister expressed that France mourned with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message read.

One Child

A child who was taken to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was also killed during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number are still under care, with a number in a critical state. The injured include two police officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Called a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Sources state he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He stated he believed 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.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”