UPDATE: Tense scenes unfolded today outside the funeral for the youngest victim of the devastating Bondi Beach shooting, 10-year-old Matilda. Emotions ran high as a heartbroken protester condemned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, claiming he has “blood on his hands.” The funeral, held at the Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall in Woollahra, drew hundreds of mourners, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy.
Just hours ago, outside the memorial, Chana Friedman delivered an emotional plea, stating, “He must resign.” She expressed anger at Albanese, who was not invited to the ceremony, for failing to protect Jewish Australians. “You’re all going to celebrate Christmas very soon… We have all failed her,” Friedman lamented, referring to Matilda’s vibrant spirit.
Matilda’s life was cut short during Sunday’s mass shooting, which left a total of 15 innocent lives lost, marking it as one of Australia’s deadliest shooting events in decades. Mourners overflowed from the memorial hall, gathering outside to watch the service on a screen set up for the occasion.
During the funeral, Matilda was remembered as a “beautiful, sweet girl” by a rabbi who delivered her eulogy. He poignantly reflected, “Losing a child is the greatest pain a parent can go through.” Matilda’s mother, Valentyna, expressed her grief, stating, “Albanese has failed my daughter and failed every victim of this tragedy.” Her husband, Michael, echoed her sentiments, criticizing the Prime Minister for not doing enough to safeguard Jewish communities.
The service featured heartfelt tributes, including a poem from NSW Premier Chris Minns, who described Matilda as a “beacon of love” whose memory would endure. “She’s waltzing with the angels,” Minns proclaimed, as tears flowed among the attendees.
Matilda’s funeral car was surrounded by a crowd of mourners, with a heavy police presence ensuring safety as they prepared to escort her to the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park for burial. Following the service, the emotional toll was evident, as many remained to pay their respects, including families of other victims affected by the shooting.
The aftermath of the attack has seen the alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, swiftly identified. Sajid was shot dead by police, while Naveed, recovering from his injuries, faces 59 charges related to the incident.
A second memorial for Matilda is set to take place at her school in La Perouse tomorrow, December 18, 2025. The community continues to grapple with the profound loss, calling for accountability and change in the wake of this tragedy.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the nation mourns and demands justice.
