What We Know About the Victims of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 people lost their lives and more than 40 sustained injuries when gunmen shot at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the number of fatalities remains at 16, which includes one of the alleged attackers. Furthermore, 42 injured people were taken to the hospital.

The victims have not yet been officially identified, but authorities state their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.

Here are the individuals who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Reportedly a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances described 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, have his life ended in this way?” a family member said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.

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

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

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, a senior official declared that France stood with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

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

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number are still under care, with a number in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he recounted the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He described 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 explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”