Bondi Attack Victims Laid to Rest as Family Urges Love Over Anger

SYDNEY : The youngest and oldest victims of the Bondi Beach massacre were laid to rest today in a series of emotional services that saw a grieving community come together to plead for peace over hatred.

A Message of Love from Matilda’s Family The family of 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest of the 15 victims, urged the public not to let her death fuel a cycle of anger. Speaking at her funeral, her aunt, Lina Chernykh, asked the world to remember her niece’s joyous spirit.

“Take your anger and… just spread happiness and love and memory for my lovely niece,” Ms. Chernykh said. “I hope maybe she’s an angel now, sending some good vibes to the world.”

Mourners, including Governor-General Sam Mostyn and NSW Premier Chris Minns, wore bee brooches and stickers—a tribute to Matilda’s love for the insects. Premier Minns read a poem in her honor, referencing the song she was named after: “She’s waltzing with the angels.”

Alexander Kleytman The same day, the community also said goodbye to 87-year-old Alexander Kleytman. A Holocaust survivor who fled Ukraine for safety in Australia, Kleytman died while shielding his wife, Larisa, from the gunmen.

His family described his life as a “testament to the enduring nature of the human spirit,” noting that while his life was cut short by “wickedness,” his legacy of resilience and his books would continue to bring light to future generations.

A Community in Pain The services were led by Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, who faced the unimaginable task of leading Matilda’s service just one day after burying his own son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who also perished in the attack. Funerals were also held today for 78-year-old Tibor Weitzen, as the city continues to reel from the tragedy.