Post by : Rameen Ariff

The family of Matilda, the youngest victim of the Bondi shooting, made an emotional request to the community on Thursday. As they said their final goodbye to the 10-year-old girl, they asked people not to turn her death into anger, but to spread love instead.

Matilda was one of 15 people killed on Sunday when two gunmen opened fire at a public event marking the start of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The attack shocked the entire country and left many families broken with grief.

What Happened and When It Happened

The Bondi shooting happened on Sunday evening during a peaceful gathering. People had come together to celebrate a religious event. Suddenly, two attackers began shooting into the crowd. Many people were killed on the spot, including children and elderly people.

It was the deadliest attack in Australia since 1996, when 35 people were killed in the Port Arthur massacre.

Family’s Message at Matilda’s Funeral

Matilda’s funeral was held on Thursday in Sydney. Many people came to pay their respects. Leaders, community members, and grieving families filled the hall.

Speaking at the funeral, Matilda’s aunt Lina Chernykh said the family was heartbroken but wanted the world to remember Matilda for her happiness and kindness.

She said Matilda was a joyful child who shared love everywhere she went. She asked people to honor her memory by doing the same.

“Take your anger and just spread happiness and love in memory of my lovely niece,” she said.
“I hope she is an angel now and sends good feelings to the world.”

A Child Full of Joy and Love

Mourners wore bee-shaped brooches and stickers, as bees were something Matilda loved deeply. The hall was filled with tears, prayers, and quiet moments of reflection.

Matilda’s parents, Michael and Valentyna, had named her after the famous song “Waltzing Matilda”. The name was chosen as a tribute to Australia, the country where their Ukrainian family found safety.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns read a poem at the service and said,
“She is now waltzing with the angels.”

Pain Felt by the Entire Community

A religious leader who led the service struggled to speak as he described the loss.

“The cruel killing of young Matilda feels like losing our own child,” he said.
He added that while words may not heal the pain now, the separation is not forever.

Just one day earlier, the same leader had buried his own family member, who was also killed in the Bondi shooting.

Matilda’s aunt said the family is shattered.
“I don’t know if her parents will ever feel happy again,” she said.
Matilda’s younger sister, who was very close to her, is confused and broken. “She has no tears left to cry.”

Another Victim Laid to Rest

On the same day, the oldest victim of the Bondi shooting was also buried.
Alex Kleytman, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, died while trying to protect his wife and celebrate his faith.

His family said he died doing what he loved most — standing for his family and beliefs.
Though the attackers took his life, they said his memories and work will live on.

Police Investigation and Government Action

Police have officially called the Bondi shooting a terrorist attack. Authorities believe it was driven by extreme ideology.

Police said the two attackers were a father and son.
The father was killed at the scene.
The son has been arrested and charged with 15 counts of murder, along with many other serious charges.

Following the tragedy, the government announced stronger laws against hate, including powers to cancel or deny visas linked to hate actions.

#Global News