The Sydney Jewish community and leaders from across the nation have gathered to farewell the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach terror attack, 10-year-old Matilda, in a profoundly emotional service filled with yellow tributes and poignant symbolism.
A Community Buries Its Youngest Angel
On Thursday, grief-stricken family and friends filled the Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall in Woollahra to say goodbye to Matilda. She was one of 15 people killed on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when father and son Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, targeted a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in one of Australia's deadliest attacks.
The service was awash with yellow, Matilda's favourite colour. Mourners carried yellow balloons and flowers, creating a sea of bright tribute to the vibrant young girl. Inside, her coffin was covered with a white shroud, upon which rested a giant toy bee – a nod to her middle name.
Her younger sister clung to a teddy bear and a toy bee throughout the ceremony, a heartbreaking symbol of the immense loss. Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, who led the service, struggled to contain his own grief, having just buried his son-in-law, Eli Schlanger, another victim who was filmed joyfully celebrating with Matilda just moments before the attack.
"The Sweetest of Angels"
Rabbi Ulman painted a picture of a beloved child whose light was cruelly extinguished. "She’s genuinely the most kind, caring and compassionate young girl who brightened everyone’s day with a radiant smile and an infectious laugh," he told the congregation. He described Matilda as "the sweetest of angels", innocent and full of life.
The little girl's Ukrainian parents, who loved Australia deeply, had chosen the name Matilda for its strong Aussie connection. "Matilda has a strength and joyful life you will always cherish and remember," the Rabbi said, highlighting the tragic irony of her death in the very country they sought to honour.
NSW Premier Chris Minns delivered the final tribute, reading a poem composed for Matilda. "She bore the name Matilda to honour this great land," he read. "Australia’s heart and spirit forever, hand in hand. She’s waltzing with the angels." The Premier, along with Governor-General Sam Mostyn, stood in solidarity with the mourning family.
A City Endures a Wave of Grief
The funeral for Matilda was one of three held on Thursday for victims of the anti-Semitic attack. The oldest victim, 87-year-old Alex Kleytman, was also buried. He was killed while shielding his wife from the gunmen. A separate service was held in Bondi for 78-year-old Tibor Weitzen, remembered as the "lolly man" who gave sweets to children. He died protecting a friend from the bullets.
His daughter, Hannah Abesidon, told the gathering, "The loss of his life in such a violent and senseless act. It’s something no family should ever have to endure."
The shattered Sydney community now faces the daunting task of attending nine more funerals, as the full impact of the terror attack continues to bear down on the city. The services mark the beginning of a long period of mourning and recovery for a community targeted during a celebration of light and faith.
