The funerals for the 15 lives lost at Bondi Beach last Sunday have begun, while memorials and gatherings are held across the world, including a public gathering in Armidale this Saturday, as the community begins to heal.
Ten-year-old Matilda, who was killed by one of 100 bullets fired into Chanukah by the Sea, has been remembered as a holy and happy girl. Many attending her funeral on Thursday wore stickers of bumblebees or carried yellow balloons, matching a large, stuffed bee toy adorning the girl’s coffin.
The youngest victim of the Bondi attack would be remembered as a “holy girl” who died “for being Jewish”, the rabbi leading the funeral said.
“She doesn’t just remain in our hearts … she has to remain alive in our deeds,” Rabbi Yehoram Ulman said.
A poem written specifically for the the youngster, titled ‘Ode to Matilda’, was read out by NSW Premier Chris Minns.
The service for 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Mr Kleytman was held earlier on Thursday morning at the same century old Chevra Kadisha funeral house as Matilda’s service.
His wife has remembered her Ukrainian-born husband for his resilience and courage after he moved to shield her from gunfire in his last moments.
The funeral for Tibor Weitzen also took place on Thursday. The 78 year old was remembered as loyal and dedicated to his community, but above all, a devoted husband, proud grandfather and great-grandfather who was deeply committed to his family.
Rabbi Eli Schlanger was farewelled in a large and emotionally charged service on Wednesday attended by many community and political leaders. Emotions also ran high on Wednesday at services for Rabbi Yaakov Levitan and Reuven Morrison, who was remembered for his courage in hurling bricks at one of the gunmen.
Locally, some churches have been holding candlelight vigils and prayer groups to allow their communities to come together and process the tragedy.
Armidale City Church held a candlelight reflection on Wednesday night attended by about 50 people. Pastor Kerrie Logan said they lit candles, prayed, shared some words, and some shed tears.
The group are organising a larger gathering in the Mall this Saturday at 11am, inviting the community to come and lay flowers, light candles, and listen to community leaders in honor of the lives lost and the need for peace.
“This week especially, let us be gentle with one another,” Logan said.
“Many are carrying grief we cannot see, shock we cannot name, and fear we don’t yet have words for.”
“This is a time to slow down, to look out for one another, and to carry each other’s burdens—through patience, compassion, and quiet acts of care.”
Rabbi Menachem Aron, Director of Chabad of Rural and Regional Australia who is the visiting Rabbi for the New England, said the week has been incredibly difficult and busy, both trying to provide support to people and dealing with media requests for interviews, while at the same time keeping up with Chanukah celebrations – including one in Tamworth.
“Our Torah and traditions have so much to contribute, even in dark times like this,” Rabbi Aron said.
“The message and miracle of Chanukah is what we need to live with for now, and put it into action by ensuring we all light the Menorah each night of Chanukah.”
He gave special praise to Rabbi Schlanger, who visited the New England a number of times in his chaplain capacity, and would often drive hours to visit with a single person.
Rabbi Aron also urged people to donate to the official fundraiser set up to support the victims and their families at https://www.charidy.com/supportsydney
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