😢 The heartbreaking question a 6-year-old little girl is asking her devastated family after watching her big sister Matilda, 10, get gunned down right in front of her at Bondi Beach…
These innocent words are shattering everyone’s hearts as the family grapples with unimaginable loss from the Hanukkah terror attack. The sisters were inseparable—like twins—and now one is gone forever.
What would YOU even say to a child asking that? 💔 Scroll down if you dare to read the full gut-wrenching story…

In the wake of the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration, the family of 10-year-old victim Matilda is reeling from profound grief, compounded by the traumatic experience of her 6-year-old sister, Summer, who witnessed the attack firsthand.
Authorities have classified the December 14, 2025, incident as a terrorist act inspired by ISIS, carried out by a father-son duo, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid was killed in a police shootout, while Naveed remains hospitalized under guard. The attack targeted hundreds gathered for the annual “Chanukah by the Sea” event organized by Chabad of Bondi, turning a joyful holiday gathering into a scene of chaos and horror.
Among the victims was Matilda, described by relatives as a bright, joyful child full of life. Her aunt, Lina Chernykh, spoke publicly about the family’s devastation, emphasizing the close bond between Matilda and her younger sister Summer. “They were like twins — they’ve never been separated,” Chernykh told reporters. Summer, unharmed physically but deeply traumatized, has been struggling to process the loss.
Chernykh highlighted the emotional toll on the young girl, noting that Summer is “in absolute shock and stress” and “missing her sister badly.” Family members have shared that Summer’s innocent questions about when Matilda will return home have left them heartbroken, underscoring the long-term psychological impact on survivors, especially children.
Matilda’s parents, Valentina and Michael, who immigrated from Ukraine to Australia in the 1990s, attended a vigil at Bondi Pavilion on Tuesday, December 16. Michael addressed the crowd, explaining that he named his firstborn daughter Matilda because it sounded like “the most Australian name” to him. “I couldn’t imagine I would lose my daughter here,” Valentina added, her voice breaking.
The family has requested privacy regarding their full surname but permitted media to share Matilda’s first name and images to honor her memory. Photos from the event show Matilda smiling, face painted, enjoying farm animals and festivities just hours before the shooting. Her former school, Harmony Russian School of Sydney, issued a statement mourning her as part of their “school family.”
Matilda was rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital after being shot but succumbed to her injuries despite medical efforts. She was the youngest victim in an attack that spanned ages from 10 to 87, including international citizens from France, Slovakia, and Israel.
Other identified victims include Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, a key organizer of the event and assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, who left behind a wife and five children; Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, 87; and an elderly couple, Boris and Sofia Gurman, who heroically attempted to disarm one of the gunmen before being killed.
Dashcam and drone footage captured the Gurmans’ bravery, with Boris, 69, briefly wresting a weapon from Sajid Akram before both were shot. Friends described them as devoted community members married for over three decades.
Additional victims named by community sources include businessman Reuven Morrison, 61, who threw bricks at a gunman; former police officer Peter Meagher; and several others remembered for their kindness and contributions to the Bondi Jewish community.
The attack has reignited debates over gun laws in Australia, a country that implemented strict controls after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales officials have vowed reviews, noting the suspects used legally registered firearms.
Over 40 people were injured, with many still hospitalized as of mid-December. Heroes emerged, including civilians who tackled gunmen and lifeguards who provided immediate aid.
Memorials have grown at Bondi Pavilion, with thousands leaving flowers, candles, and tributes. Vigils drew large crowds, including political figures, though some faced heckling amid heightened community tensions.
Fundraisers, including GoFundMe pages for Matilda’s family and others, have raised significant sums to support funerals and recovery. Community leaders have called for unity and increased efforts against antisemitism.
Investigators continue probing the Akram duo’s motivations and preparations, including a reported trip to the Philippines. No prior adverse records were noted in India for Sajid, who immigrated legally.
As funerals begin—starting with rabbis Schlanger and Yaakov Levitan—the Bondi community mourns a profound loss during what should have been a season of light and celebration.
The tragedy has drawn international attention, with condolences from world leaders and emphasis on the human cost of hate-fueled violence.
For the family of Matilda and Summer, the road ahead involves healing from wounds both seen and unseen. As one relative put it, “We will never be a happy family again,” but efforts focus on remembering Matilda as the “sunshine” she was to all who knew her.
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