What We Know About the Fatalities of the Bondi Beach Shooting

A minimum of 16 lives perished and over 40 were hurt when assailants opened fire at a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local authorities are describing as a act of terrorism.

As of the newest reports, officials have announced the number of fatalities stands at 16, encompassing one of the suspected gunmen. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were transported to medical facilities.

Those who died are still awaiting officially identified, but police believe their ages span from 10 and 87 years old.

Below are the individuals who have been identified to date.

Eli Schlanger

London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was initially identified.

Reportedly a father of five children, he was the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Family members and acquaintances remembered him as “vivacious, energetic, full of life and a very warm outgoing person who loved to help people”.

“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 relative said.

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

Alexander Kleytman

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

She told the events before the shooting, saying they had been standing together when the gunfire started. “He moved to protect me because he wanted to stay near me,” she stated.

The pair were both Holocaust survivors, having endured immense hardship in their childhood. They had subsequently relocated to Australia from Ukraine.

Dan Elkayam

The French foreign ministry have confirmed that French man Dan Elkayam is a casualty.

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

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

One Child

A young girl, aged 10 who was rushed to the a children's hospital has been confirmed among the fatalities, authorities stated.

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed in the incident, as per multiple sources referencing the Israeli foreign ministry.

Those Injured

Of the 42 people transported to hospitals, a significant number are still receiving treatment, with a number in critical condition. Those hurt comprise two officers who attended the scene.

One of the injured is a bystander who rushed to the scene to tackle one of the attackers. Called a hero, he sustained bullet wounds but is in stable condition in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

One of those wounded is Arsen Ostrovsky, a public affairs professional. Sources state he was wounded and underwent treatment in hospital.

In a message, he described the incident as an “absolute bloodbath,” but also noted the actions of those who came to assist. He stated he felt it was a “stroke of luck” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

Evan Zlatkis, a media director, was also injured in the shooting. He said he heard “dozens and dozens” of shots.

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