What We Know Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 lives perished and more than 40 sustained injuries when gunmen fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, officials have confirmed the death toll stands at 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 injured people were admitted to hospital.

The victims have not yet been formally identified, but police believe their ages range from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who have been named to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father of five children, he was the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and friends 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 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 remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

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

The husband and wife were both Holocaust survivors, having experienced unspeakable terror in their youth. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must eradicate,” the statement read.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was also killed during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with several in a critical state. The injured include two police officers who responded to the attack.

A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Called a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he described the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the attack. He said he listened to “a large number” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”