What We Know Concerning the Victims of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 lives perished and in excess of 40 were wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, officials have stated the death toll stands at 16, which includes one of the alleged attackers. Additionally, 42 people with injuries were taken to hospital.

The victims are yet to be publicly named, but authorities state their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Described as a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends described 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 happy rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a relative said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events leading up to the shooting, stating they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced immense hardship in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

In a statement, a senior official declared that France mourned with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the statement continued.

One Child

A child who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number are still under care, with several in serious condition. Those hurt include two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Sources state he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the shooting. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of gunshots.

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