Oh Matilda
A Bright Light extinguished
The pain is still raw. The images, still freshly imprinted in my mind. Fifteen people murdered. Over forty wounded. Some still on life support. Why? Simply because they were Jewish.
Ten days ago, almost one thousand Jews gathered to celebrate the first night of Chanukah - the Festival of Light. The place? Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.
The event was run by Chabad of Bondi and open to everyone. Many of the attendees and victims were from the Friends of Refugees from Eastern Europe (F.R.E.E.) community.
How ironic, how tragic, that Jews who escaped persecution and war in Russia and Ukraine were gunned down in the very country to which they fled for its freedoms, security, safety, and easy-going Aussie lifestyle.
Every story of every victim, every hero, and every image from the day is heart crushing. None more so than that of ten-year-old Matilda Bea, z”l (memorialized as Bee), the youngest of the fifteen victims who was shot as she ran towards her father for safety and died in her father’s arms.
Ten years ago, Matilda’s parents fled Ukraine. They were so proud to be embraced by Australia, and to show their utmost gratitude they gave their new country the highest honor by naming their first-born daughter, Matilda - an iconic Australian name*.
Oh Matilda. Just ten years old. The images of you moving about with such carefree innocence makes your death even more difficult to accept. What would be your last moments were captured on video: playing with bubbles; watching your father wrap teffilin with Rabbi Eli Schlanger, z”l; petting the animals in the makeshift zoo; posing happily with your face painted, all while your little sister followed you around as if you were her mentor, her hero.
Oh Matilda. It’s unfathomable that your bright light was extinguished.
In one of the most heartbreaking moments in the aftermath of the tragedy, Aussie singer David Campbell, sang Waltzing Matilda as Matilda’s parents embraced and swayed at the foot of the stage.
Video Credit: Jewishnews_au - David Campbell sings Waltzing Matilda as Matilda’s parents embrace and sway in front of the stage.
This attack will go down as the worst terrorist attack on Australian soil. An attack that targeted a people who make up zero-point four percent (0.4%) of the Australian population.
For the victims, their families, and their loved ones. For my family and friends who were affected intimately: my heart is with you all.
In Memory of:
Matilda Bea, 10
Edith Brutman, 78
Dan Elkayam, 27
Boris Gurman, 69
Sofia Gurman, 61
Alexander Kleytman, 87
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39
Peter Meagher, 61
Reuven Morrison, 67
Marika Pogany, 82
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41
Adam Smyth, 50
Boris Tetylroyd
Tania Tretiak, 68
Tibor Weitzen, 78
May their memories be a blessing and may the scourge of Jew-hatred be erased from humanity forevermore.
The Waltzing Matilda video made me cry. I've always loved that song and the idea of Australia. Now, the song will always make me think of Matilda Bee, z"l. May Hashem protect the Jews and the good people of Australia. Thank you, Michelle Ann for this moving tribute.