Information Available Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

A minimum of 16 individuals lost their lives and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack local authorities are describing as a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, authorities have stated the number of fatalities is 16, including one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 injured people were taken to medical facilities.

The deceased are yet to be formally identified, but investigators think their ages range between 10 and 87 years of age.

Here are the individuals who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father of five children, he was the associate rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. 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 can a happy rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, lose his life in this way?” a relative said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the events leading up to the attack, saying they were standing when the gunfire erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.

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

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was also killed during the attack, as per reports citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number remain under care, with several in serious condition. Those hurt include two officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who came to assist. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He said he listened to “a large number” 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.”