What We Know Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 lives perished and over 40 were wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack local police have labeled a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, officials have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the alleged attackers. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to hospital.

The deceased are yet to be officially identified, but authorities state their ages are from 10 and 87 years of age.

Here are the individuals who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father-of-five, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances 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 spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a relative said.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their youngest child just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.

She recounted the events leading up to the shooting, saying they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she stated.

The couple were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the message continued.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 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 also killed during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with several in a critical state. Those hurt comprise two officers who attended the scene.

A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “utter carnage,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He described he listened to “a large number” of gunshots.

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”