What We Know About the Victims of the Bondi Terror Attack

At least 16 people lost their lives and more than 40 were hurt when assailants fired on a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have called a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have stated the number of fatalities is 16, which includes one of the alleged attackers. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to the hospital.

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

Here are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

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

“How is it possible that a happy rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a family member said.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their newest son in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She described the moments leading up to the shooting, saying they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

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

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message read.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was among those killed in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospitals, many are still under care, with a number in critical condition. The injured include two officers who attended the scene.

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

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” 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 stated. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”