What We Know Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 individuals were killed and more than 40 sustained injuries when attackers fired on a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local police have called a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, authorities have confirmed the death toll is 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were taken to medical facilities.

Those who died have not yet been officially identified, but authorities state their ages are between 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the individuals who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can 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 asked.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the shooting began. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

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

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the message continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, as per reports citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, many remain under care, with five in critical condition. The injured comprise two officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Called 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. Reports indicate he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted 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 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’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I’ve been shot myself. I received first aid. I’m ok.”