What We Know Concerning the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Shooting

At least 16 lives perished and more than 40 were wounded when assailants fired on a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an incident Australian authorities have labeled a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, authorities have announced the number of fatalities stands at 16, encompassing one of the alleged gunmen. Moreover, 42 injured people were taken to the hospital.

The deceased are yet to be formally identified, but investigators think their ages are from 10 and 87 years of age.

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 associate 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 loved to help people”.

“How can a happy 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 family member said.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She described the events before the shooting, stating they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had later moved to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

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

“This low act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must put a stop to,” 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

An Israeli citizen was a fatality during the attack, as per reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number are still under care, with a number in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two officers who responded to the attack.

A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the gunmen. Described as a local hero, he received gunshot wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

He wrote, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the shooting. He said he listened to “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’ve been shot myself. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”