Hundreds of mourners gathered at a Jewish memorial centre in Sydney on Thursday to pay their respects to Matilda, the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach terror attack. The 10-year-old was one of 15 people killed at the Jewish Chanukah by the Sea event on Sunday, 14 December 2025.
A Community in Mourning
Matilda's funeral was one of several held on Thursday for the victims of Sunday's horror. Her aunt, Lina Chernykh, spoke to the BBC, urging the community to channel its grief positively. "Take your anger and… just spread happiness and love and memory for my lovely niece," she said. "I hope maybe she's an angel now. Maybe she [will] send some good vibes to the world."
In a heartbreaking revelation earlier in the week, the aunt disclosed that Matilda died in front of her sister. "Imagine you see your beautiful little sister that you love just being killed in front of you. They were like twins. They've never been separated," she said.
Remembering Other Victims
The day also saw the funeral of 78-year-old Tibor Weitzen, who reportedly died shielding loved ones from harm. His family described him to the ABC as a man full of life, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His granddaughter, Leor Amzalak, said he was "truly the best you could ask for" and that he "loved us more than life itself." Mr Weitzen, who migrated to Australia from Israel in 1988, was remembered by the Chabad mission as a "beloved" man who "brought joy and smiles to everyone."
The family of 27-year-old French national Dan Elkayam issued a statement honouring the avid footballer. He was at Bondi Beach celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. "Dan loved life - fully and intensely," his family said. "It is now our responsibility to carry forward the light that Dan spread." Mr Elkayam leaves behind his partner in Australia and family in Paris.
Charges Laid and Calls for Action
The memorials come a day after one of the alleged gunmen was charged. Naveed Akram, 24, faces 59 offences for opening fire into the crowd, killing 15 people. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene.
Speaking at her niece's funeral, Matilda's aunt Lina Chernykh stated that the Jewish community is right to demand more action to combat antisemitism. As floral tributes continue to grow beside Bondi Pavilion, a community grapples with an immense loss and the urgent need for unity and peace.
