"Maybe She's an Angel Now," Says Aunt of 10-Year-Old Bondi Victim

A Tragic Loss and a Call for Love

The family of Matilda, the youngest victim of the Bondi shooting, asked the community to channel their grief into love and positivity as they said their final goodbyes to the 10-year-old on Thursday. Matilda was one of 15 people who were shot during an attack at an event marking the start of Hanukkah at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday.

At Matilda’s funeral, her aunt Lina Chernykh spoke to the media, emphasizing that the Jewish community is right to demand more action against antisemitism. She shared the same sentiment but also highlighted Matilda’s joyful nature. “Matilda spread love everywhere she went,” Ms. Chernykh said. “I urge the community to do the same in her honor.”

“Take your anger and… just spread happiness and love and memory for my lovely niece,” she added. “I hope maybe she's an angel now. Maybe she [will] send some good vibes to the world.”

Jewish community leaders have pointed out that the tragedy might be a result of Australia's ongoing struggle with rising antisemitism. The attack, which targeted the Jewish community at a Hanukkah celebration, is the country's deadliest incident since 1996 when a gunman killed 35 people during the Port Arthur massacre.

Before the funeral, Ms. Chernykh described the family's devastation. “I look at their faces [and] I don't know if they will be ever happy again,” she said of Matilda’s parents. Matilda’s younger sister, who was inseparable from her, is deeply affected and confused. “She doesn't have enough tears to cry,” Ms. Chernykh explained.

At a flower memorial on Tuesday, Matilda’s mother, Valentyna, told mourners that the family moved to Australia from Ukraine over a decade ago, hoping it would be a safe place for them. “I couldn't imagine I'd lose my daughter here... It's just a nightmare,” she said.

Ms. Chernykh also shared her own struggle to understand what happened. She was gardening at her home on the Gold Coast when Matilda’s mother called on Sunday. “Truly, I was thinking something happened to my father because he's 84 years old... and she says Matilda was shot,” she recalled. “How [could] someone in Australia understand, if someone tells you your kid was shot… I couldn't understand it. I was thinking I have bad reception. I asked a few times what I'm [hearing].”

Police have classified the attack as a terrorist incident. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the attack appears to have been motivated by Islamic State group ideology. Authorities allege that the two gunmen were a father and son. Sajid Akram, 50, was killed at the scene, while his son Naveed, 24, has been charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act.

In response to the tragedy, Australia announced it would strengthen laws to combat hate, including introducing powers to cancel or refuse visas based on antisemitism.

Who Were the Victims of the Bondi Shooting?

The victims of the Bondi shooting included members of the Jewish community who were celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. Among them was Matilda, a bright and loving child whose life was tragically cut short. The attack has left many in shock and mourning, with many questioning how such a tragedy could occur in a country that prides itself on safety and inclusivity.

Rising Antisemitism and the Predictability of the Attack

Many Jewish Australians have expressed fear in the wake of the attack, stating that the rise in antisemitism made such an incident seem inevitable. One individual shared, “I've grown up in fear.” This sentiment reflects the growing concerns within the community about the increasing hostility and threats they face.

The Bondi shooting has sparked a broader conversation about the need for stronger measures to address antisemitism and ensure the safety of all communities. As the nation mourns, there is a collective call for unity, love, and action to prevent future tragedies.