Her aunt revealed Matilda was killed in front of her sister during Sunday’s attack – Matilda is one of 15 victims confirmed dead following Sunday’s horrific incident
Hundreds of mourners have gathered at a Jewish memorial center in Australia to remember the youngest Bondi shooting victim, Matilda, who was just ten years old.
Matilda, her surname changed at the request of her family, was among 15 other innocent victims killed on Sunday while attending the Jewish Chanukah by the Sea event at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.
Matilda’s aunt, Lina Chernykh, told it BBC at the little girl’s funeral on Thursday that the Jewish community is right to want more action to eradicate anti-Semitism.
“Take your anger and… just spread happiness, love and memory for my sweet niece,” she said, adding, “I hope maybe she is an angel now.” [will] send some good vibes to the world.”
The same aunt revealed earlier this week that Matilda died in front of her sister in Sunday’s attack.
“Imagine watching your beautiful little sister, who you love so much, being murdered in front of your eyes. They were like twins. They were never separated,” Matilda’s aunt Lina said earlier this week.
Matilda’s funeral is one of several taking place on Thursday for those killed on Bondi Beach on Sunday. At the time of writing, the funeral of 78-year-old Tibor Weitzen had just begun.
He died on Sunday, reportedly protecting his loved ones from harm as he passed from this life to the next.
His family describes him as full of life for the world ABCand he will be remembered as a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His granddaughter Leor Amzalak has described her grandfather as “truly the best thing you could wish for… He was so proud of us… and loved us more than life itself.”
She added: “He only saw the best in people and will be greatly missed.”
The Chabad Mission describes him as “beloved” and as a man “who brought joy and smiles to everyone.”
He migrated to Australia from Israel in 1988.
The family of 27-year-old Frenchman Dan Elkayam issued a statement on Sunday following the death of the enthusiastic footballer.
“On December 14, 2025, the first night of Hanukkah, Dan was on the beach with his friends lighting the Hannukah candles. He was playing football, celebrating the holiday and enjoying a sunny summer day on Bondi Beach,” his family said in a statement to The Express.
“Dan loved life – fully and deeply. He traveled the world and was known for his gentle, kind, fun and loving nature, making friends wherever he went. Besides football, he had a deep connection with nature. He was a certified diver and an explorer at heart, always eager to discover new places, cultures and experiences.”
They added: “It is now our responsibility to continue the light that Dan spread. He was surrounded by loved ones from all walks of life and all communities, and in times as dark as these, we all have a duty to continue spreading kindness, compassion and joy – in his name.”
Elkayam leaves behind his partner in Australia. He will be remembered by his parents, brothers, nieces and nephews in Paris, France, where he was born and raised.
Memorials for the victims of Sunday’s horror shootings come the day after one of the alleged gunmen was charged with 59 offenses after opening fire on crowds at Bondi Beach alongside his father. Naveed Akram, 24, is accused of firing shots that killed 15 people after shooting at a Jewish event Chanukah By The Sea on Sunday, December 14.
Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police.
“He was deeply proud of his community back home [the Paris commune of] Le Bourget,” his family added in their statement.
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