Ten-year-old victim remembered as nation grapples with hate violence
Youngest Victim Laid to Rest
SYDNEY: Australia on Thursday laid to rest ten-year-old Matilda, the youngest of the victims killed in the deadly Bondi Beach shooting, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to introduce new laws targeting hate speech and extremist radicalisation.
Matilda, remembered by family and community members as a “ray of sunshine,” was mourned at a funeral where yellow toy bees adorned her small white coffin, reflecting her middle name, Bee. Attendees wore bee-themed stickers, toys, and balloons in tribute, at the request of her family, who asked that her surname not be made public.
Community Grief and Anger
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, addressing mourners, described the attack as “tragic, so totally cruel, unfathomable,” saying Matilda’s killing felt deeply personal to the entire community.
“She loved what children love—animals, the outdoors, school, friends. Everybody loved her,” he said.
Outside the funeral hall in eastern Sydney, long lines of mourners gathered, many watching the service on outdoor screens. Several attendees voiced anger and frustration, saying government action against antisemitism had been insufficient.
“Antisemitism has been brewing in Australia for over two years,” said Jae Glover, 25. “It feels like the warnings were ignored.”
Details of the Bondi Beach Attack
The shooting occurred on Sunday during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most popular tourist destinations. Authorities say two gunmen—allegedly a father-and-son duo—opened fire, killing at least 11 people and injuring many others.
Emergency services rushed nearly 29 people to nearby hospitals. New South Wales police classified the incident as a terrorist attack, saying preliminary investigations suggest inspiration from Islamic State ideology.
The attack has heightened concerns over rising antisemitism and extremist violence in Australia.
Prime Minister’s Response
In response, Prime Minister Albanese pledged that his government would move swiftly to introduce new legislation aimed at combating hate speech, extremism, and radicalisation, signalling a tougher national security posture.
The proposed laws are expected to strengthen protections for minority communities and enhance monitoring of extremist networks, as authorities continue to investigate the broader links behind the attack.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities are also probing related incidents, including the arrest of a Sydney man over alleged antisemitic threats made on a flight to Bali. Officials have denied claims that the Bondi Beach suspects received military training during a recent overseas trip.
Funeral services for other victims, including Rabbis Schlanger and Levitan, have already been held as the investigation continues.
A Nation in Mourning
As Matilda’s coffin was carried to a waiting hearse, mourners struggled to contain their grief.
“We failed this baby,” said Chana Friedman, 37. “As the coffin was driving away, I just kept whispering, ‘I’m so sorry.’”
Another mourner, Elena Marguleva, described the service as “heartbreaking and devastating,” saying she had been unable to eat or sleep since the attack.