The family of Matilda, the 10-year-old youngest victim of the Bondi Beach shooting, has released a video of her at the beach, with her aunt urging the community to spread happiness and love in her memory. This comes as Matilda was laid to rest in a funeral that highlighted her joyful spirit and the broader impact of the attack.
The video shows Matilda enjoying a day at Bondi Beach, a poignant reminder of the joy she brought to those around her. Her aunt, Lina Chernykh, spoke to the BBC during the funeral, emphasizing that Matilda was a joyous child who spread love everywhere she went. She called on those who are angry about the tragedy to channel their emotions into positive actions, planting ‘seeds of happiness’ in honor of her niece.
Matilda was among 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The attack, which authorities have designated as a terrorist incident motivated by Islamic State ideology, left 16 others injured, with two still in critical condition. The gunmen, identified as a father and son, were apprehended, with the father shot dead at the scene and the son charged with multiple offenses including murder and committing a terrorist act.
At Matilda’s funeral on Thursday, December 18, mourners gathered to pay their respects, wearing bee brooches and stickers in tribute to her love for bees. The service was led by Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, who struggled to contain his emotions as he spoke about Matilda’s short life. He highlighted her qualities of beauty, goodness, and righteousness, offering words of comfort to the grieving family while acknowledging the difficulty of finding solace in such a loss.
The family’s message of love and happiness is set against a backdrop of rising antisemitism in Australia. Community leaders have pointed to the attack as a consequence of unchecked hate, prompting calls for stronger action. In response, the Australian government announced plans to strengthen laws against hate speech, including measures to cancel or refuse visas on grounds of antisemitism, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
Matilda’s story has touched many, as she was the daughter of Ukrainian immigrants who found safety in Australia. Named after the song ‘Waltzing Matilda’ as a tribute to their new home, her life symbolized hope and resilience. Her younger sister, who was with her during the attack, is described as shattered and confused, struggling to come to terms with the loss.
In addition to Matilda, other victims were remembered in services held on the same day. Alexander Kleytman, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, was laid to rest after dying while shielding his wife from the gunmen. His family described him as a man of resilience and strength, whose legacy will endure. Other victims included a young soccer player, a rugby team manager, and several elderly individuals, each with their own stories of contribution and love.
The release of the video and the aunt’s call for positivity serve as a powerful counter-narrative to the violence, encouraging the community to honor Matilda’s memory through acts of kindness. As Australia grapples with the aftermath of this attack, the focus is on healing and preventing such incidents in the future, with a renewed commitment to combating antisemitism and promoting unity.
