What We Know Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Shooting

At least 16 lives perished and more than 40 were hurt when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police have called a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, authorities have announced the death toll is 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were transported to hospital.

The victims have not yet been officially identified, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Listed are the victims who are known to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing 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, have his life ended in this way?” a family member remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, according to his wife.

She told the events before the shooting, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire began. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having faced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

Publicly, the Foreign Minister said that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the message continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was a fatality in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many are still receiving treatment, with a number in a critical state. The injured comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

A wounded man is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a hero, he received gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”