The Details Known Regarding the Victims of the Bondi Beach Shooting

No fewer than 16 lives perished and over 40 were wounded when attackers opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian police are describing as a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, authorities have announced the death toll stands at 16, encompassing one of the alleged attackers. Moreover, 42 people with injuries were taken to medical facilities.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified, but police believe their ages range between 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the individuals who have been named to date.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Reportedly a father of five children, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who was dedicated to assisting others”.

“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, 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 youngest child in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, as stated by his wife.

She described the moments before the shooting, explaining they had been standing together when the shooting erupted. “He shielded me because he wished to be near me,” she recalled.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having faced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have announced that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

“This despicable act is a fresh and tragic example of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message 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

One victim from Israel was among those killed in the incident, as per reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospital, many are still under care, with a number in critical condition. The injured 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 hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is recovering well in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a community leader. Reports indicate he was hurt and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the scene as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He said he felt it was a “miracle” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the shooting. He described he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

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