What We Know About the Victims of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 lives perished and more than 40 were wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police are describing as a act of terrorism.

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

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

Here are the victims who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.

“How is it possible that a happy 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 relative said.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth of their youngest child just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.

She recounted the moments before the attack, explaining they were standing when the shooting erupted. “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 childhood. They had later relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was also killed during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with several in serious condition. The injured include two officers who attended the scene.

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

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of gunshots.

“I thought it was something less lethal, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”