The family of 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the Bondi Junction massacre, has pleaded with the community to honour her memory with love and happiness, rather than allowing her tragic death to fuel anger. Matilda was among the 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire at a shopping centre on Saturday, an incident that has sent shockwaves across Australia.

Speaking at the funeral service in Sydney, Matilda’s aunt, Lina Chernykh, acknowledged the Jewish community’s call for increased action against antisemitism, a sentiment she shares. However, she emphasised Matilda’s own spirit of joy and the love she spread, urging mourners to emulate her.

“Take your anger and… just spread happiness and love and memory for my lovely niece,” Ms Chernykh implored. “I hope maybe she’s an angel now. Maybe she [will] send some good vibes to the world.” Her words offered a poignant counterpoint to the rising fear and calls for retribution.

Jewish community leaders have suggested the attack was an unfortunate consequence of Australia’s struggle to effectively address escalating antisemitism. The Bondi Junction incident marks the nation’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which claimed 35 lives. This comparison underscores the severity and rarity of such violence in Australia.

Mourners, including prominent figures like Governor General Sam Mostyn and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, gathered to pay their respects. Many wore bee broaches and stickers, a touching tribute to the young girl who adored them. Matilda’s parents, Michael and Valentyna, named their daughter after the iconic Australian song, a nod to the country that offered their Ukrainian family refuge.

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, who officiated the service, struggled to contain his emotions as he spoke of Matilda’s brief but beautiful life. He spoke of shared grief, stating, “The tragic, so totally cruel, unfathomable murder of young Matilda is something to all of us as if our own daughter was taken from us.” His words resonated deeply with the devastated parents.

The Rabbi also addressed the concept of eternal life within Jewish belief, offering a measure of spiritual solace. “The Jewish … believe that death is not eternal … it is not because we are naïve,” he asserted. “I’m telling you with absolute conviction that the separation with Matilda is not forever.” He acknowledged, however, that such words might offer little immediate comfort.

This sentiment was particularly poignant as Rabbi Ulman had officiated at the funeral of his own son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was also a victim of the Bondi Junction attack, just a day prior. He expressed his admiration for the strength shown by Matilda’s parents, noting, “You give me strength at a time when you need strength yourselves. And I try to do the same.”

Matilda’s family described their profound devastation, with her aunt revealing the immense struggle of her parents. “I look at their faces [and] I don’t know if they will be ever happy again,” Ms Chernykh said. The younger sister, described as inseparable from Matilda, remains shattered and confused by the loss.

Valentyna, Matilda’s mother, shared her anguish at a memorial on Tuesday, stating the family was living through a nightmare. “I couldn’t imagine I’d lose my daughter here,” she told mourners, her voice heavy with grief. The incomprehensible nature of the violence has left many struggling to process the event.

Authorities have classified the attack as a terrorist incident, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicating it was likely motivated by Islamic State ideology. Police have identified the alleged perpetrators as a father and son, with the father, Sajid Akram, 50, killed at the scene, and his son, Naveed, 24, facing 59 charges including murder and committing a terrorist act.

In response to the tragedy and rising concerns about hate crimes, Australia announced on Thursday plans to strengthen its laws. These measures include introducing new powers to cancel or refuse visas on grounds of antisemitism, signalling a commitment to combatting extremist ideologies and protecting vulnerable communities.

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Keywords: Bondi shooting, Matilda victim, antisemitism Australia, Bondi Junction massacre, family grief, Sydney attack, hate crime laws, youngest victim