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

No fewer than 16 people lost their lives and in excess of 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities have called a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have stated the death toll remains at 16, including one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 injured people were admitted to hospital.

The deceased are still awaiting formally identified, but authorities state their ages span between 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

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

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She described the events leading up to the shooting, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire erupted. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

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

Dan Elkayam

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

In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France stood with his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must eradicate,” the message read.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality during the attack, as per multiple sources citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, many remain receiving treatment, with several in serious condition. The injured comprise two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Hailed as a hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Sources state he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”