The past few days have been filled with heartbreak and disbelief following the shocking terrorist attack directed at the Jewish community in Bondi on Sunday, as they were celebrating the first night of Chanukah. Together with all Australians, we mourn the lives lost and stand with those affected.
It has been confirmed that several of the 15 victims were of Jewish and Ukrainian background. On behalf of the Australian-Ukrainian community, the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisation (AFUO) extends its deepest condolences to their families and loved ones.
Matilda, 10
The youngest victim was a bright, joyful young girl named Matilda. Matilda’s father said, “We came here from Ukraine… and I named her Matilda because she was our firstborn in Australia. And I thought that Matilda was the most Australian name that could ever exist.” The loss of such an innocent life is beyond words. Our thoughts and prayers are with Matilda’s family during this unimaginable time.
Alex Kleytman, 87
A Holocaust survivor, Alex migrated from Odesa, Ukraine to Australia, holding fast to his Jewish faith and traditions. On the first night of Chanukah, Alex and his wife of over 50 years, Larisa, travelled to Bondi to celebrate. Alex was killed protecting Larisa, shielding her from harm. He will be remembered for his courage and love. Our heartfelt sympathies are with Larisa and their family.
Tibor Weitzen, 78
Tibor, a native of Uzhhorod, in western Ukraine’s Transcarpathian region, is another hero who was killed while shielding his wife Eva from the attackers. Tibor was a beloved great-grandfather, affectionately called “the lollipop man” for his habit of giving out lollies. Our sincerest prayers to Eva and Tibor’s loved ones.
HONOURING THE HEROES
Sofia and Boris Gurman – who emigrated to Australia from Novohrad Volynsky (now called Zviahel) in Ukraine in 1993, tragically lost their lives while heroically trying to stop one of the attackers.
Reuven Morrison – the brave Rabbi who put himself in harm’s way by throwing bricks at the attackers, emigrated from Kyiv in 1977, and had lived in Bondi for decades. Reuvan, who met his wife Leah in Bondi as a teenager, gave his life protecting his family, community and all of us.
In memory of the 15 innocent people whose lives were tragically taken in the Bondi terrorist attack, the Sydney Community Foundation has launched the Bondi Beach Tragedy Appeal to provide practical support to those affected.
Donate here: https://bondi-appeal-2025.raiselysite.com
You can also directly support the family of little Matilda 
the 10 year old Ukrainian-Australian Jewish girl who was the youngest victim of the attack. Matilda’s loss has devastated her family and the community.
Donate here: gofundme.com/f/donate-in-loving-memory-of-matilda
This senseless act of violence, which targeted Australia’s Jewish community, has shaken us all.
We unequivocally condemn hatred and violence in all its forms and are proud to support the Sydney Community Foundation, a trusted tax-deductible charity that helps reach those who need it most, including our Sydney-based Ukrainian community.
We invite our community to honour the victims and their grieving families by contributing, sharing, and supporting this act of hope.
In addition to supporting crisis assistance to victims and families of all backgrounds, your support will provide much needed counselling for traumatised children, housing assistance for widows, help with medical costs, and essential daily needs such as groceries.
Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Ukrainian Council of NSW – ОУГ НПВ, Sydney Community Foundation, #SupportBondiVictims
