Child killed in Bondi Beach massacre named as aunt pays emotional tribute

WATCH: 'Like fish in a barrel' Eyewitnesses describe gunman's open fire on Bondi beach

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GB NEWS

Dan McDonald

By Dan McDonald


Published: 15/12/2025

- 01:43

'I don't know how we survive such grief,' the aunt of 10-year-old Matilda Poltavchenko said

The child killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack has been named as 10-year-old Matilda Poltavchenko.

The child was fatally shot as she was attending a Hannukah festival at the Sydney beach.


Her aunt, Lina, announced the devastating news on social media, expressing profound grief over the loss.

"Yesterday my beloved niece Matilda was killed during a terrorist attack in Bondi Beach," Lina wrote.

Matilda Poltavchenko

The child killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack has been named as 10-year-old Matilda Poltavchenko

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FACEBOOK

"I don't know how we survive such grief."

The family is now mourning the loss of the young girl, whose life was cut short while she participated in the gathering celebrating one of the most important days in the Jewish calendar.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Matilda's mother, Valentina Poltavchenko.

As of Monday morning, more than $21,000 (£15,716) has been raised.

Matilda Poltavchenko

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Matilda's mother

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GOFUNDME

The page was created by the 10-year-old's former language teacher, Irina Goodhew.

She wrote: "I knew her as a bright, joyful, and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her.

"Yesterday, while celebrating Hanukkah, her young life was tragically taken.

"Her memory will live on in our hearts.

"Matilda’s mother, Valentina Poltavchenko, is the beneficiary of this fundraiser.

"All donations will be transferred directly to her to support the family during this incredibly difficult time.

"Donations are made in loving memory of Matilda."

Vigils were held in major cities across Europe in the aftermath of the attack, which left 16 dead.

London vigil held for Bondi Beach victims

Vigils were held in major cities across Europe in the aftermath of the attack

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PA

Crowds gathered in London, Paris and Berlin to honour the victims on the first night of Hanukkah.

New South Wales premier Chris Minns said that there must be "an overwhelming government, community and police response" to the massacre.

He added that the Jewish community should have "every right to celebrate their faith and enjoy this festive period".

Mr Minns said: "[We] need to send a clear message to people in this state and the affected community that has seen so much violence and damage."

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