Information Available About the Victims of the Bondi Beach Shooting

No fewer than 16 people lost their lives and over 40 were wounded when assailants shot at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities stands at 16, encompassing one of the alleged attackers. Furthermore, 42 wounded individuals were taken to the hospital.

Those who died are yet to be publicly named, but investigators think their ages are between 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father of five children, he worked as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends remembered him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable 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 remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the moments before the attack, stating they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later moved to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have announced that French national 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 despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number remain under care, with five in a critical state. Those hurt include two officers who responded to the attack.

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

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he described the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the shooting. He told reporters he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

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