What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 individuals lost their lives and more than 40 were wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, authorities have announced the number of fatalities is 16, including one of the alleged attackers. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were transported to the hospital.

The deceased have not yet been formally identified, but police believe their ages are between 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who have been identified at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can 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 said.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the arrival of their newest son in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the moments before the attack, stating they were standing when the gunfire started. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

Officially, the Foreign Minister said that France mourned with 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 put a stop to,” the message continued.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was also killed during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with five in serious condition. Those hurt 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 tackle one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he described the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He told reporters he listened to “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was something less lethal, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I sustained a gunshot wound. I received first aid. I’m ok.”