The youngest victim of the Bondi Beach terror attack has been laid to rest in an emotional funeral service in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Ten-year-old Matilda was one of fifteen people killed in the horrific shooting last Sunday.
A Community in Mourning
Hundreds of mourners, including friends, family, and political leaders, gathered at the Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall in Woollahra on Thursday to say goodbye. The crowd was so large that many had to watch the proceedings on a screen outside the hall. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Governor-General Sam Mostyn were among those in attendance.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was notably absent. Matilda's parents, Valentyna and Michael, had publicly criticised him the day before, stating he had "failed" to protect Jewish Australians and that his government's inaction contributed to the tragedy. "He has betrayed the Jewish people of Australia, and of the whole world," Michael said.
A Tribute in Yellow and Black
The sombre occasion was marked by poignant tributes to the young schoolgirl. Organisers handed out little bee stickers to attendees, a reference to Matilda's middle name, which begins with 'B'. A white taxi van with a large bumblebee on its window was parked outside, and mourners carried bee-themed balloons and flowers, creating a pop of colour against the sea of dark clothes.
Matilda was shot in the stomach during the attack at the iconic beach, where she was celebrating the first night of Hanukkah with her family. She later died in hospital despite doctors' efforts to save her.
A Family's Grief and a Nation's Shock
At a memorial earlier in the week, Matilda's father, Michael, held a framed photo of his daughter. The family had emigrated from Ukraine, and he explained they chose Matilda because it was "the most Australian name." Her mother, Valentyna, stated through tears that her daughter's death was no accident: "It was a bullet fired on her."
The attack, which left 15 dead and 42 injured, including an eight-week-old baby, was allegedly carried out by father and son Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid was shot dead by police, while Naveed, recovering in hospital, now faces 59 criminal charges.
Matilda was buried at Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park following the service. A second memorial will be held at her school in La Perouse on Friday, as a community continues to grapple with an unimaginable loss.
