What We Know About the Those Lost of the Bondi Beach Terror Attack

At least 16 lives were killed and over 40 sustained injuries when gunmen shot at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, a tragedy local police have called a act of terrorism.

In the latest update, authorities have confirmed the number of fatalities stands at 16, which includes one of the alleged attackers. Additionally, 42 wounded individuals were admitted to hospital.

Those who died are still awaiting formally identified, but investigators think their ages are between 10 and 87 years of age.

Below are the victims who have been named to date.

Eli Schlanger

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

Reportedly a father-of-five, he served as the assistant rabbi at a local Jewish cultural centre. Relatives and acquaintances spoke of him as “lively, dynamic, and vibrant and a very kind and sociable person who loved to help people”.

“How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to share joy and positivity, to make the world a better place, meet his end in this way?” a family member remarked.

Schlanger and his wife celebrated the arrival of their newest son in October.

Alexander Kleytman

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

She recounted the events before the attack, stating they were standing when the gunfire started. “He shielded me because he wanted to stay near me,” she recalled.

The pair were both survivors of the Holocaust, having experienced unspeakable terror in their childhood. They had subsequently immigrated to Australia from Eastern Europe.

Dan Elkayam

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

In a statement, a senior official said that France shared the grief of 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 continued.

One Child

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

One Israeli Citizen

An Israeli citizen was among those killed during the attack, according to multiple sources referencing the Israeli government.

Those Injured

From the 42 people transported to hospital, many remain under care, with several in serious condition. Those hurt comprise two police officers who attended the scene.

A casualty is a member of the public who attempted to intervene to confront one of the attackers. Called a hero, he sustained gunshot wounds but is expected to recover in hospital.

Arsen Ostrovsky

Among the injured is Arsen Ostrovsky, a human rights lawyer. Reports indicate he was hurt and underwent treatment in hospital.

Communicating, he recounted the incident as an “utter carnage,” but also praised the actions of those who rushed to help. He stated he believed it was a “miracle” he was alive.

Evan Zlatkis

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

“Initially, I believed it was rubber bullets, but it’s gone into my own skin and into my leg,” he explained. “I was hit. I received first aid. I’m ok.”

Andrew Stevens
Andrew Stevens

A tech journalist and AI researcher with over a decade of experience covering digital innovations and emerging technologies.