UPDATE: Tensions escalated outside the funeral of 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the recent Bondi Beach shooting, as mourners expressed their outrage towards Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In an emotional scene earlier today in Woollahra, a heartbroken woman declared that Albanese has “blood on his hands” and called for his resignation.
During an emotional interview, Chana Friedman condemned the Prime Minister, who was not invited to the funeral, stating, “No, because he has that girl’s blood on his hands.” Matilda was one of the 15 innocent lives tragically lost in this devastating incident, Australia’s deadliest shooting in decades.
Matilda’s funeral took place at the Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall, where hundreds of friends, family, and political figures gathered to pay their respects. Her parents, Valentyna and Michael, criticized Albanese for his perceived failure to protect Jewish Australians, with Valentyna asserting, “He has failed my daughter and failed every victim of the tragedy.”
Inside the packed memorial hall, mourners overflowed into the street, watching the service on a screen. The rabbi delivered a poignant eulogy, recalling Matilda as a “beautiful, sweet girl” who “grew up in a beautiful home.” The emotional atmosphere was palpable as family members wept, grieving for the loss of a child described as a “ray of sunshine.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns honored Matilda with a heartfelt poem, reflecting on her “beacon of love” that will be remembered. As the service concluded, a heavy police presence remained to ensure safety amid the emotional outpouring.
The funeral procession began as mourners gathered around Matilda’s coffin, with Governor-General Sam Mostyn walking behind the funeral car. Following the service, emotional scenes unfolded as friends and family continued to grieve, with many left in disbelief over the senseless tragedy.
Matilda was shot in the stomach during the attack and succumbed to her injuries despite medical efforts. Her funeral is a stark reminder of the violence that struck the community. A second memorial will be held at her school in La Perouse on December 18, 2025.
The alleged assailants, identified as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, were connected to the horrific event. Sajid was killed by police during the incident, while Naveed is recovering in hospital and has been charged with 59 offences.
As the community mourns, questions surrounding safety and government accountability loom large. In the wake of this tragedy, many are demanding action, leaving a deep impact on the nation as they seek justice and healing.
More updates to follow as this story develops.
