What We Know Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 people were killed and in excess of 40 were wounded when gunmen fired on a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have announced the death toll remains at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were admitted to hospital.

Those who died have not yet been officially identified, but police believe their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the victims who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

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

“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a relative asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.

She recounted the events leading up to the attack, stating they were standing when the shooting started. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

In a statement, a senior official declared that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the statement read.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, as per reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many remain under care, with five in a critical state. Those hurt comprise two officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of shots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”