Bondi massacre vigil: Matilda's parents dance during Waltzing Matilda tribute
Thousands gather for national Day of Reflection as a moving moment at Bondi Beach memorial honors the youngest victim, 10-year-old Matilda
A candlelight vigil for the Bondi massacre drew about 15,000 mourners to Bondi Beach on Sunday night as Australia observed a national Day of Reflection for the victims. Among those lost was 10-year-old Matilda, who was at a Hanukkah festival at the Bondi Beach Pavilion on December 14 when gunfire erupted at the family-friendly event.
One of the most poignant moments came during a tribute by Australian entertainer David Campbell, when Matilda's parents were seen dancing together and embracing as he sang Waltzing Matilda. The scene unfolded in front of thousands gathered near the pavilion.
The vigil formed part of the Day of Reflection lit by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, with Michelle Goldman, its chief executive, lighting the first candle. A minute of silence followed, marking when police first began receiving calls about the attack at 6:47 p.m. on December 14. Australian Jewish musician Ben Adler sang the national anthem as a montage of the 15 victims and the thousands of flowers left at the scene played on screens.
Organizers estimated about 15,000 people attended in person, while thousands more followed the service online and on social media. In total, those killed in the attack at the Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach included Boris and Sofia Gurman, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Edith Brutman, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Marika Pogany, Matilda, Peter Meagher, Dan Elkayam, Reuven Morrison, Tibor Weitzen, Alexander Kleytman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan and Tania Tretiak.
Remarking on the personal cost, Matilda’s father wore a kippah decorated with bee stripes—a tribute to his daughter's middle name—and her mother stood close as the couple shared a quiet, emotional moment with the crowd looking on. Police have described the suspect as Naveed Akram, with his father, Sajid Akram, also facing charges in connection with the shooting, which killed 15 people and wounded many more.
The memorial service, held near Bondi Pavilion, reflected a broader national effort to remember the victims and support their families as communities grapple with the trauma of the attack. The vigil also occurred as authorities continue investigations into the motivations and details of the incident, which began during a Hanukkah celebration and affected families across multiple faiths.