Key Takeaways
- Hundreds of mourners gathered at a Jewish memorial center in Sydney to farewell 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the Bondi terror attack.
- Matilda’s funeral was attended by prominent figures, including Governor-General Sam Mostyn and federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley.
- The service included a tribute to Matilda, who loved the outdoors and animals, and a poem called ‘Ode to Matilda’ written by Premier Chris Minns.
- The Jewish community is continuing to reel from the tragedy, with three funerals taking place on Thursday, including those of Matilda, 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, and 78-year-old grandfather Tibor Weitzen.
- The funerals were attended by family, friends, and religious leaders, with many paying tribute to the victims and calling for the community to come together in the face of tragedy.
Introduction to the Bondi Terror Attack
The Bondi terror attack, which occurred on Sunday, has left the Jewish community in Sydney reeling. The attack, which targeted a Jewish Chanukah event, resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including 10-year-old Matilda, who was the youngest victim. The attack has sparked an outpouring of grief and support from the community, with hundreds gathering to pay their respects to the victims.
Matilda’s Funeral
Matilda’s funeral was held at a Jewish memorial center in Sydney’s east, with hundreds of mourners in attendance. The service began with a tribute to Matilda, who was described as a "righteous, special, sweet, kind girl" who loved the outdoors and animals. A giant plush bumblebee was placed on her casket, and guests were asked to wear stickers bearing the same image, a nod to her middle name, Bee. Premier Chris Minns delivered a poem called ‘Ode to Matilda’, which included the lines "She bore the name Matilda to honour this great land, Australia’s heart and spirit forever hand in hand. Her spirit like a swagman’s will never fade away. She’s waltzing with the angels, where love will always stay."
Tributes to Matilda
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, who delivered the eulogy, said Matilda was a "very friendly" child who had "a lot of friends" and "loved school". He also said that her tragic and cruel murder was something that was painful to all of us, as if our own daughter was taken from us. Rabbi Dovid Slavin, who spoke to media outside, said that losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. Matilda’s family had migrated to Australia to improve their lives, having come from a "divided" and "ripped apart" country. Rabbi Slavin said that Matilda "never got to live the life that was really hers" and that it was brutally taken away.
Other Funerals
In addition to Matilda’s funeral, two other funerals were held on Thursday, including those of 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman and 78-year-old grandfather Tibor Weitzen. Mr. Kleytman’s funeral was held in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, with a heavy police presence in attendance. He is survived by his wife, two children, and 11 grandchildren. Mr. Kleytman was described as "a fascinating person of many talents and unwavering spirit" who survived World War II in Siberia with his mother and younger brother.
Community Response
The funerals were attended by family, friends, and religious leaders, with many paying tribute to the victims and calling for the community to come together in the face of tragedy. Premier Chris Minns and NSW Jobs and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper were among those in attendance at Mr. Kleytman’s funeral. The community is continuing to reel from the tragedy, with many calling for greater support and protection for the Jewish community. The funerals were a testament to the community’s resilience and strength, with many coming together to pay their respects to the victims and to support one another in the face of tragedy.
Conclusion
The Bondi terror attack has left a profound impact on the Jewish community in Sydney, with the funerals of the victims serving as a poignant reminder of the tragedy. The community is continuing to come together to support one another and to pay their respects to the victims. As the community begins to heal and rebuild, it is clear that the memory of the victims, including Matilda, Mr. Kleytman, and Mr. Weitzen, will live on, and their legacy will continue to inspire and strengthen the community in the face of adversity.
