The family of the Bondi shooting's youngest victim, Matilda, urged the community not to let her death fuel anger, as they said a final goodbye to the 10-year-old on Thursday.
Matilda was among 15 people who were shot dead when two gunmen opened fire on an event marking the start of Hanukkah at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday.
Speaking to the BBC at Matilda's funeral, her aunt Lina Chernykh expressed her grief, revealing that Matilda was a joyous child who spread love everywhere she went. She implored the community to maintain that spirit in Matilda's honor, saying, Take your anger and… just spread happiness and love and memory for my lovely niece. Chernykh added, I hope maybe she's an angel now. Maybe she [will] send some good vibes to the world.
The Jewish community leaders have suggested that the tragedy was an indication of Australia’s struggle to address rising antisemitism, a sentiment echoed by many attendees of the funeral.
During the service, mourners including prominent figures such as New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed their sorrow, wearing bee brooches as a tribute to the girl who was named Matilda after the song Waltzing Matilda. Minns remarked, She’s waltzing with the angels.
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, who led the service, had to pause as he paid tribute to Matilda's short life, stating, The tragic, so totally cruel, unfathomable murder of young Matilda is something to all of us as if our own daughter was taken from us. He assured the community that Matilda's spirit would remain alive, reflecting Jewish beliefs about life and death.
Amidst the grief, the community is rallying for action against antisemitism. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack, designated as a terrorist incident, as being motivated by extremist ideology.
Matilda’s funeral coincided with the service for another victim, 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, emphasizing the tragic loss impacting the Jewish community in Australia.
