What We Know Regarding the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Shooting

A minimum of 16 lives lost their lives and over 40 were hurt when gunmen fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident local police have called a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, officials have announced the number of fatalities is 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were transported to medical facilities.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified, but authorities state their ages are from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How is it possible that a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a family member remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events leading up to the shooting, explaining they were standing when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she said.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, a senior official expressed that France shared the grief of 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 put a stop to,” the message read.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality in the incident, as per reports referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with several in serious condition. The injured comprise two police 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 gunmen. Called a hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. It has been reported he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the attack. He described he listened to “a large number” of shots.

“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”