What We Know About the Those Lost of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 lives were killed and over 40 were wounded when assailants opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police have called a terrorist attack.

As of the newest reports, authorities have announced the death toll is 16, which includes one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 people with injuries were admitted to medical facilities.

Those who died have not yet been formally identified, but investigators think their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the victims who are known 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 associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing 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, have his life ended in this way?” a family member said.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the birth 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 moments before the attack, explaining they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having faced immense hardship in their youth. They had later relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message read.

One Child

A child who was rushed to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was a fatality in the incident, according to reports referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain receiving treatment, with a number in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

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

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was also injured in the shooting. He described he listened to “dozens and dozens” of shots.

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it penetrated my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”