What We Know Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Beach Shooting

At least 16 lives perished and more than 40 sustained injuries when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police are describing as a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, officials have announced the death toll is 16, including one of the alleged attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were admitted to hospital.

The deceased have not yet been publicly named, but authorities state their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Listed are the victims who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father of five children, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends 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 joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, 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 in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.

She described the events leading up to the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the gunfire began. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had later immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

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

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was among those killed in the incident, as per reports citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, many are still receiving treatment, with several in a critical state. The injured include two officers who attended the scene.

A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. It has been reported he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He described 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 said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”