Camilla Jessen
Victims of Bondi terror attack begin to be named.
Australian authorities are continuing to identify the victims of a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, where at least 15 people were killed and around 40 wounded.
Police have declared the attack a terrorist incident.
Youngest victim identified
Among the dead is a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, whose family permitted The Guardian to publish her name and photographs.
Her aunt, Lina, wrote on social media: “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.”
Matilda’s school, Harmony Russian School of Sydney, said her memory “will remain in our hearts,” describing her as a cherished member of their community. She was taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital on Sunday night, where she later died.
Holocaust survivor killed
Another victim has been identified as Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman.
His wife, Larisa, told The Australian that the couple heard sudden gunfire before the crowd fell to the ground.
“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,” she said.
Both had previously spoken publicly about surviving a concentration camp as Jewish children.
Police response
Footage from the attack shows two gunmen firing from a bridge leading from a car park toward the beach.
Police say the victims were aged between 10 and 87.
In a statement, New South Wales Police confirmed that “an extensive crime scene has been established and inquiries are now underway,” adding there were “NO reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the scenes “shocking and distressing,” praising first responders working to save lives.
He said the federal government is coordinating with NSW authorities and urged people nearby to follow police instructions.
Sources: The Guardian; The Australian; NSW Police.
