§  A Nation Weeps for Matilda

§  Heartbreaking farewell to Matilda, 10, victim of Bondi shooting

§  Family urges love over anger

§  Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman also mourned. Read tribute

Australia: In a ceremony that broke the heart of a nation, Matilda, the 10-year-old girl whose life was stolen in the Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting was laid to rest in Sydney on Thursday. Named after the iconic song “Waltzing Matilda” as a tribute to the country that gave her Ukrainian family refuge, she became the symbol of innocence lost in Australia’s deadliest attack since 1996.

But amidst the tears and the tiny bee brooches worn by mourners in her honor, a powerful message emerged from her grieving family. Her aunt, Lina Chernykh, urged the world not to let Matilda’s death fuel the fire of hatred that killed 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.”

Details & Context: The Youngest and the Oldest

Thursday was a day of profound contrast and shared sorrow. As Matilda, the youngest victim was said goodbye to, so was Alex Kleytman, the eldest victim at 87.

Matilda’s Farewell
The service was packed with dignitaries, including Governor General Sam Mostyn and NSW Premier Chris Minns. But the focus remained on the little girl who loved bees.

·       The Tribute: Mourners wore bee pins, a nod to Matilda’s love for nature.

·       The Poem: Premier Minns read a poem, ending with the haunting line: “She’s waltzing with the angels.”

·       The Rabbi’s Strength: The service was led by Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, who himself had buried his son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, just a day prior. Fighting his own grief, he offered strength to Matilda’s sobbing parents, Michael and Valentyna.

Alex Kleytman’s Legacy
At the same funeral home, 87-year-old Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor, was honored. His family revealed he died shielding his wife, Larisa.
“The two gunmen killed him but his memories, his legacy and his books will bring light for generations to come,” his family stated. Kleytman had survived the darkest chapter of history only to fall victim to hate in what he thought was a safe haven.

Quotes: “She Doesn’t Have Enough Tears”

The emotional toll on Matilda’s family is unimaginable.

Lina Chernykh (Aunt)

“I look at their faces [Matilda’s parents] and I don’t know if they will be ever happy again. Her younger sister... she doesn’t have enough tears to cry. They were inseparable.”

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman

“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. You give me strength at a time when you need strength yourselves.”

Family Statement (Alex Kleytman)

“He died doing what he loved most: protecting his wife Larisa and celebrating his Jewish faith.”

Additional Information: The Investigation Continues

While the families grieve, the legal aftermath of the attack continues to unfold.

·       The Shooters: Police have confirmed the attackers were a father-son duo. Sajid Akram (50) was shot dead at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram (24), faces 59 charges including 15 counts of murder and terrorism offenses.

·       Terrorist Motive: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the attack was likely motivated by Islamic State (IS) ideology.

·       New Laws: In direct response, the Australian government has announced stricter hate speech laws, including the power to cancel visas for those promoting antisemitism.

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READ MORE: “We Are Shifting the Threshold”: Australian PM Declares War on Hate Speech with Visa Bans and Jail Time After Bondi Massacre

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Impact Analysis: A Cycle of Grief and Resolve

The funerals of Matilda and Alex Kleytman represent the full spectrum of loss—a life just beginning and a life full of history, both extinguished by the same hatred.

·       Community Resilience: The Jewish community’s response has been one of defiance. Despite the fear, they continue to gather, light candles and support one another.

·       National Reflection: The naming of Matilda—after Australia’s unofficial anthem—highlights the tragic irony. A family fled conflict in Ukraine to find safety in Australia, only to face terror on Bondi Beach.

·       Policy Shift: The “Matilda Effect” may well be the catalyst for the new hate speech laws. Her death has personalized the cost of allowing radicalization to fester.

Key Facts Summary

·       Victim: Matilda (10), named after “Waltzing Matilda.”

·       Oldest Victim: Alex Kleytman (87), Holocaust survivor.

·       Family Message: “Spread happiness and love, not anger.”

·       Officiant: Rabbi Yehoram Ulman (also lost family in the attack).

·       Attackers: Father-son duo linked to ISIS ideology.

·       Government Response: New anti-hate speech laws announced.

Conclusion: “Separation Is Not Forever”

As the hearses left the funeral home, the words of Rabbi Ulman lingered in the air: “The separation with Matilda is not forever.”

For a nation in mourning, these words offer a glimmer of hope. Matilda may be gone but her aunt’s wish—that she is now an angel sending “good vibes” to the world—is a mandate for the living. The anger is justified but as Lina Chernykh reminded us, it is love that must define Matilda’s legacy.

She is waltzing with the angels now. It is up to us to ensure the music of her memory never fades.

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