Bondi vigil: Matilda’s parents dance to Waltzing Matilda during moving tribute
Thousands attend a national Day of Reflection for the Bondi massacre victims as a 10-year-old girl’s family joins in a poignant moment during a tribute.
A moving moment capped Sunday night’s memorial near Bondi Beach, where thousands gathered for a national Day of Reflection to honor the victims of the December 14 Bondi festival shooting. The most emotional moment came when Matilda, a 10-year-old girl who was killed, and her parents were seen dancing to Waltzing Matilda as a tribute unfolded.
The vigil, held near Bondi Pavilion, drew an estimated 15,000 people who paid respects in person and through a public display of grief and solidarity. Michelle Goldman, chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, lit the first candle and led a minute’s silence after emergency calls began coming in at about 6:47 p.m. on the day of the attack. The service, part of a broader national Day of Reflection, featured a montage of the 15 victims and flowers left at the scene, as musicians performed and a country-wide moment of unity took shape.
David Campbell performed Waltzing Matilda as part of the tribute, and Matilda’s parents joined in the moment, embracing each other as the song played. The moment was widely shared on social media, where many praised Campbell’s rendition. One post described it as a very touching tribute by David Campbell singing Waltzing Matilda in honour of little Matilda, who unfortunately lost her life in the Bondi tragedy, while others wrote that they loved the performer and felt chills from the performance.
The vigil’s program also included the national anthem performed by Ben Adler, with the music accompanying the candlelight display and the ongoing montage of victims. Among the crowd, families and friends of those killed stood together in quiet mourning. The ceremony also highlighted the presence of Faith leaders, community organizers, and public officials who spoke about resilience and the need for continued remembrance.
The victims of the Bondi shooting, identified by authorities and families, include 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. A group of people from diverse backgrounds were among those who lost their lives in the attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach on December 14. The names reflect a cross-section of the community affected by the violence, and the vigil aimed to honor each individual’s memory.
Authorities have identified Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, as the suspects in the shooting. Detectives and investigators continued to pursue leads and gather evidence as the community and nation reflected on the tragedy and considered measures to prevent future violence. Police urged anyone with information to come forward as investigations proceed.
In the days that followed, public leaders reiterated calls for calm and unity in the wake of loss, emphasizing that the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring a transparent, thorough inquiry. As families continue to bury their loved ones and communities reckon with the impact of the attack, memorial services and acts of remembrance are expected to continue in the weeks ahead.