The family of a young girl murdered in the Bondi Beach Hanukkah terror attack has received a significant donation from American billionaire philanthropist Bill Ackman, as a wave of global support follows the tragedy.
A Community in Mourning After Hanukkah Horror
The attack unfolded just before 7pm on Sunday during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at the iconic Sydney beachfront. Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father allegedly opened fire on the crowd, killing at least 15 people and injuring 40 others in a devastating act of violence.
Among the innocent victims was 10-year-old Matilda, whose life was tragically cut short. Heartbreaking images from earlier that day show her smiling at a petting zoo, her face painted, moments before the shooting began.
Remembering Matilda: 'A Bright and Loving Soul'
At a moving memorial service held on Tuesday at Bondi Pavilion, Matilda's father, Michael, held a framed photograph of his daughter as he addressed the gathered mourners. He explained the origin of her name, a poignant symbol of the family's new life in Australia.
"Her name was Matilda because she was our first Australian," he said. "We came here from Ukraine, and I thought Matilda was the most Australian name that can ever exist. So just remember the name, remember her."
Her mother, Valentina Poltavchenko, spoke through tears, stating emphatically, "It wasn't just a bullet from a spray. It wasn't an accident. It was a bullet fired on her." Her brother found a small measure of comfort, saying Matilda was surrounded by family in her final moments and "knew she was loved, that she wasn't alone."
Matilda's language teacher, Irina Goodhew, who started a GoFundMe campaign, described her as "a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her." The fundraiser, intended to support Matilda's mother, had soared to nearly $700,000 by Wednesday afternoon, demonstrating an outpouring of public sympathy.
Philanthropic Support and Heroic Intervention
Into this scene of profound grief stepped billionaire investor Bill Ackman, whose net worth exceeds $9.5 billion. Ackman made a donation of $37,624 to Matilda's GoFundMe campaign, offering direct financial support to her grieving relatives.
In a separate but related act of generosity, Ackman also pledged $100,000 to Ahmed al Ahmed, a local fruit shop owner and father-of-two hailed as a hero. Ahmed tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen during the attack, an act of immense bravery that likely prevented further casualties.
After learning of Ahmed's actions, Ackman posted on social media asking for a verified fund to be set up to "reward him and his family." Ahmed remains in hospital recovering from injuries sustained during the struggle and is understood to have undergone surgery on Wednesday.
The hero grocer has received visits from high-profile leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and local MP Kellie Sloane.
As the community prepares for Matilda's funeral on Thursday, relatives have shared that her middle initial was 'B' and have encouraged well-wishers to post a bee emoji on social media in her honour—a small, symbolic gesture of remembrance for a life lost too soon.
