Youngest Bondi Shooting Victim Buried as Australian Leader Vows to Crack Down on Hate Crime

Sydney's grieving community gathered on Thursday to bury 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach shooting. She was killed during a Hanukkah celebration with her family.

Videos from the funeral service showed mourners holding flowers, photos of Matilda, dolls, and stuffed animals. The ABC reported that several political figures attended the service. The young girl's death has deeply affected many. A woman who visited a makeshift memorial said she crocheted 15 butterflies, each representing a victim. She told CGTN that the brightly colored blue butterfly in the middle represented Matilda.

Matilda was with her parents, younger sister, and friends at the Hanukkah celebration when she was shot. She was rushed to a hospital, but doctors were unable to save her.

At a memorial on Wednesday, Matilda’s parents shared memories of their daughter’s final moments. Her mother, Valentyna, tearfully described seeing Matilda "running around happy and then…what I see before my eyes is she’s lying on the ground."

Matilda’s aunt, Lina, who withheld her last name, said the family moved from Ukraine to Australia in the 1990s and enjoyed beach walks, park picnics, and zoo trips. Valentyna, tearful and breathless, expressed her devastation, saying that after leaving Ukraine, she "could not imagine I would lose my daughter here."

**Crackdown on Hate Speech**

As the nation mourns the victims of the mass shooting, the worst in Australia in almost three decades, the government has promised stronger measures to combat gun violence and antisemitism.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced legislative reforms on Thursday aimed at cracking down on those who spread "hate, division and radicalization." These reforms include increased penalties for hate speech and for leaders who promote violence. Albanese stated that hate speech would be an "aggravating factor" in sentencing for crimes involving online threats and harassment. The government also plans to create a system for listing organizations whose leaders engage in hate speech or promote violence or racial hatred.

Furthermore, Australia’s home affairs minister will be granted new authority to cancel or deny visas to individuals who spread hate and division, or who might do so if permitted entry into the country.

Albanese also announced the creation of a 12-month task force focused on ensuring the Australian education system "prevents, tackles and responds to antisemitism."

"There is no place in Australia for antisemitism," Albanese said. "Australians are shocked and angry – I am angry."

Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated on Thursday that the Australian Federal Police are investigating alleged hate preachers and will execute additional search warrants. Reflecting on her recent visit to Sydney, Barrett honored the victims, especially the youngest.

"Every day we see the beautiful and joyful faces now lost, and in them we see our own loved ones," Barrett said. "Today is the funeral of little Matilda. She was so young, she was so innocent, and my heart is so heavy for her family."