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

At least 16 lives lost their lives and in excess of 40 sustained injuries when assailants fired on a Hanukah gathering at Bondi Beach, an attack local police are describing as a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, authorities have announced the death toll is 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were admitted to medical facilities.

Those who died have not yet been officially identified, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Reportedly a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances described him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How is it possible that a joyful 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 relative remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, according to his wife.

She recounted the moments leading up to the attack, explaining they were standing when the shooting started. “He pushed his body up because he wished to be near me,” she said.

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

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must put a stop to,” the statement read.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the a children's hospital succumbed to her injuries, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed during the attack, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, many are still under care, with several in serious condition. The injured include two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Described as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Sources state he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was another casualty in the shooting. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he said. “I’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”