Information Available Regarding the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Terrorist Incident

No fewer than 16 individuals perished and over 40 were wounded when gunmen fired on a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, a tragedy Australian police have labeled a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have stated the number of fatalities is 16, encompassing one of the suspected attackers. Furthermore, 42 people with injuries were admitted to medical facilities.

The victims are still awaiting officially identified, but authorities state their ages span between 10 and 87 years old.

Here are the individuals who have been named so far.

Eli Schlanger

London-born clergyman Eli Schlanger, 41, was the first to be publicly identified.

Known as a father of five children, he served as the associate rabbi at Chabad of Bondi. Family members and acquaintances 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 spread happiness and light, 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 arrival of their newest son just a few months ago.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events leading up to the shooting, stating they were standing when the shooting started. “He moved to protect me because he wished to be near me,” she said.

The husband and wife were both survivors of the Holocaust, having faced immense hardship in their youth. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

The French authorities have announced that French national Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

Officially, a senior official declared that France shared the grief of his family and loved ones, the Jewish community, and the Australian people.

“This cowardly attack is a new, tragic manifestation of a disgusting rise of hatred against Jews that we must combat,” the message continued.

One Child

A 10-year-old girl who was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

One victim from Israel was also 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 five in serious condition. Those hurt include two police officers who responded to the attack.

One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to confront one of the attackers. Hailed as a local hero, he received bullet 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 injured and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “horrific scene,” but also praised the response of those who rushed to help. He said he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

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

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