What We Know Regarding the Those Lost of the Bondi Shooting

No fewer than 16 individuals lost their lives and more than 40 sustained injuries when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, an attack Australian authorities have labeled a terrorist attack.

In the latest update, officials have stated the number of fatalities is 16, encompassing one of the suspected gunmen. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were admitted to the hospital.

The deceased are yet to be officially identified, but authorities state their ages range from 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the individuals who have been identified so far.

Eli Schlanger

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

Described as a father of five children, he worked as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and friends spoke of him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How is it possible that 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 birth of their newest son just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman also lost his life, according to his wife.

She described the events leading up to the shooting, saying they had been standing together when the gunfire began. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she said.

The couple were both Holocaust survivors, having endured unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

French foreign ministry have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is among the victims.

In a statement, the Foreign Minister declared that France shared the grief of his family, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This despicable act is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of antisemitic hatred that we must combat,” the statement read.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was rushed to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was among those killed during the attack, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain receiving treatment, with several in a critical state. The injured comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a bystander who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the gunmen. Called a local hero, he received bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

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

He wrote, he recounted the scene as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted 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 also injured in the shooting. He said he listened to “dozens and dozens” of gunshots.

“I thought it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he stated. “I was hit. They bandaged me up. I’m ok.”