What We Know Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Beach Shooting

A minimum of 16 people lost their lives and more than 40 were hurt when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have called a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, officials have stated the death toll remains at 16, including one of the suspected gunmen. Moreover, 42 wounded individuals were taken to hospital.

The deceased have not yet been formally identified, but investigators think their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the victims who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father-of-five, he worked as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a relative asked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.

She described the events before the attack, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting began. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she stated.

The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

Publicly, the Foreign Minister declared that France mourned with his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital succumbed to her injuries, police have confirmed.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality during the attack, according to reports citing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospitals, 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 casualty is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen. Hailed as a local hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. It has been reported he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

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

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the attack. He told reporters he heard “a large number” of gunshots.

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