What We Know Concerning the Those Lost of the Bondi Terror Attack

At least 16 people perished and in excess of 40 were hurt when gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, an incident local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have announced the death toll stands at 16, which includes one of the alleged gunmen. Additionally, 42 injured people were transported to medical facilities.

The victims are yet to be officially identified, but police believe their ages are between 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the individuals who are known so far.

Eli Schlanger

Originally from London clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Described as a father of five children, he served as the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances described him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.

“How is it possible that a happy 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 relative remarked.

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

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was also among those killed, as stated by his wife.

She told the moments leading up to the attack, stating they were standing when the gunfire began. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she said.

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

Dan Elkayam

French authorities have confirmed that French national Dan Elkayam is among the dead.

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

“This low act is a fresh and tragic example of a revolting outpouring of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the statement read.

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was taken to the a children's hospital is among those who had died, according to police reports.

One Israeli Citizen

A national of Israel was a fatality in the incident, as per reports citing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people taken to hospitals, many are still under care, with five in critical condition. Those hurt include two police officers who attended the scene.

A wounded man is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. It has been reported he was wounded and is receiving treatment in hospital.

In a message, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also noted the response of those who came to assist. He said he believed it was a “stroke of luck” he survived.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a community director, was another casualty in the shooting. He described he heard “a large number” of gunshots.

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