Information Available About the Victims of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 people perished and in excess of 40 were wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities have called a act of terrorism.

According to the most recent information, officials have confirmed the number of fatalities remains at 16, which includes one of the suspected attackers. Moreover, 42 injured people were admitted to the hospital.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who are known at this time.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first victim to be named.

Described as a father-of-five, he was the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Relatives and acquaintances remembered 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 joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?” a family member said.

Schlanger and his wife had recently celebrated the birth of their newest son in October.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also confirmed among the deceased, as stated by his wife.

She told the moments leading up to the attack, saying they were standing when the shooting erupted. “He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

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

Dan Elkayam

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

In a statement, 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 revolting outpouring of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the message read.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was also killed in the incident, according to reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

From the 42 people taken to hospital, a significant number remain receiving treatment, with several in critical condition. The injured comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

A wounded man is a member of the public who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the gunmen. Hailed as 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. Sources state he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

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

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the attack. He said he heard “a large number” of shots.

“I thought 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.”