Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged tougher action against hate speech on Thursday following a deadly attack on a Jewish holiday gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, as mourners gathered to bury the youngest of the victims.
The promise came as family, friends, and members of the Jewish community said farewell to 10 year old Matilda, one of 15 people killed when gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday. Authorities say the attack shocked the country and intensified fears about rising antisemitism.
Matilda’s white coffin was decorated with yellow toy bees, a reference to her middle name, Bee. Many mourners wore yellow or brought bee themed balloons and toys to the service in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Her family has asked media outlets not to publish their surname.
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman told those gathered that Matilda was remembered for her warmth and joy. “The tragic, so totally cruel, unfathomable murder of young Matilda is something to all of us as if our own daughter was taken from us,” he said, describing her as a child who loved animals, the outdoors, and dancing.
Crowds filled the street outside the funeral hall, with many watching the service on a screen after the venue reached capacity.
Police say the alleged attackers, a father and son, began shooting as hundreds of people marked Hanukkah at the popular beach. Investigators believe the assault was inspired by the Islamic State, according to officials briefed on the inquiry.
The incident has renewed criticism of the government from some community members who say antisemitism has been allowed to grow since the start of the war in Gaza. “It’s like your heart’s been ripped out,” said Jae Glover, 25, as he handed out bee stickers outside the service. “It feels like this could have been avoided.”
Another mourner, Chana Friedman, said she felt a deep sense of collective failure as the hearse carried Matilda away. “We failed this baby,” she said quietly.
Earlier on Thursday, Albanese said his government would move to strengthen laws and enforcement against hate speech, stressing that violence motivated by religious hatred had no place in Australia. Officials have not yet outlined specific legislative steps.
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Africa Digital News, New YorkÂ
