A tragic event unfolded in Australia over the weekend when a shooting claimed the lives of at least 15 people, one of whom was identified as a Holocaust survivor.
The incident took place during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Australia, on December 14. Reports indicate that multiple individuals were shot, resulting in numerous fatalities and at least 40 injuries.
Authorities have labeled the incident a terrorist attack. The ages of those killed range from 10 to 87 years old.
Footage from the event captures two gunmen positioned on a bridge leading from a car park to the beach, opening fire on the gathered crowd.
The Guardian reports that a young victim, identified as 10-year-old Matilda, has had her name and images released with her family’s consent.
Matilda’s aunt, Lina, expressed her sorrow on social media, stating: “A great tragedy has happened to my family.
“My beloved niece Matilda was killed during a terrorist attack in Bondi Beach. I don’t know how we survive such grief.”
Harmony Russian School of Sydney, where Matilda was a student, released a statement upon learning of her passing. They stated: “Her memory will remain in our hearts, and we honor her life and the time she spent as part of our school family.”
Matilda succumbed to her injuries at Sydney Children’s Hospital on Sunday night.
Another victim of the attack, a Holocaust survivor, was identified as Alexander Kleytman. His wife, Larisa Kleytman, recounted the harrowing event to local media.
In an interview with The Australian, she said: “We were standing and suddenly came the ‘boom boom,’ and everybody fell down. At this moment he was behind me and at one moment he decided to go close to me. He pushed his body up because he wanted to stay near me.”
Both Alexander and Larisa Kleytman were Holocaust survivors who shared their experiences in a concentration camp as children during a 2023 event with JewishCare.
New South Wales Police released a statement after the attack, noting: “An extensive crime scene has been established and inquiries are now underway. There have been NO reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident.”
Anthony Albanese, the Australian Prime Minister, issued a statement in response to the incident.
He remarked: “The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected. I just have spoken to the AFP Commissioner and the NSW Premier. We are working with NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed. I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW Police.”