What We Know About the Those Lost of the Bondi Terrorist Incident

At least 16 lives were killed and more than 40 sustained injuries when assailants opened fire at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities have called a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, authorities have announced the death toll stands at 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were taken to the hospital.

The victims have not yet been formally identified, but investigators think their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the individuals who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Known as a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and friends spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“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 family member asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the moments before the attack, explaining they were standing when the gunfire began. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.

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

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message read.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with five in serious condition. Those hurt include two police officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

Communicating, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

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