What We Know Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 individuals lost their lives and in excess of 40 were hurt when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities have called a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the death toll remains at 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were taken to hospital.

Those who died are still awaiting formally identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.

Listed are the individuals who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Known as a father-of-five, he served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances described 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 joyful 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 newest son just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She described the moments before the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting began. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

Officially, the Foreign Minister said that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the statement read.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was also killed in the incident, according to reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain receiving treatment, with several in serious condition. The injured comprise two officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen. Hailed as a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Reports indicate he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he described the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

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