In Sydney, Australian law enforcement officials have apprehended seven individuals during anti-terrorism operations on Thursday as the nation mourns the youngest casualty of the tragic Bondi Beach incident.
According to the police in New South Wales, a specific “operation at George Street, Liverpool, in Sydney’s southwest has been completed.”
The department’s statement elaborated, “Tactical Operations officers acted on intelligence suggesting a potential violent act was being plotted,” leading to the interception of two vehicles as part of their probe.
“As the investigation progresses, seven men are collaborating with police in their inquiries,” the statement further detailed.
Visitors continue to contribute to the growing floral memorial outside Bondi Pavilion at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Steve Markham)
Some accounts suggest that the detained individuals might have been en route to Bondi. However, officials have clarified that there are no established links to the recent Hanukkah event attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
On Thursday, the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack was laid to rest.
The funeral for 10-year-old Matilda, whose family has requested that her last name not be shared, was held in Sydney on Thursday. Her funeral was attended by family, friends and mourners looking to pay their respects.
“Matilda was a bright and loving soul who taught us that true goodness is in the love and compassion we share,” her teacher, Irina Goodhew, said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “Her memory reminds us to carry kindness in our hearts and spread it to the world.”
Students at La Perouse Public School also memorialized Matlida, whom they gave an Indigenous nickname: “wuri wuri,” meaning “the little ray of sunshine,” according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Family carry the coffin following a service for Bondi Beach mass shooting victim 10-year-old Matilda, whose last name is being withheld at the request of her family, in Sydney, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (Steve Markham/AP Photo)
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, whose son-in-law Rabbi Eli Schlanger was also killed in the attack, spoke at Matilda’s funeral. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Ulman said Matilda’s parents took the time to check on him as well.
“They had enough in their heart to go and think about another person going through the same thing as them,” Ulman said. “You gave me strength at the time when you needed strength yourselves.”
Matlida’s parents, Valentyna and Michael, immigrated to Australia from Ukraine. Michael told The Guardian that he chose his daughter’s name to show gratitude for his new home.
“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,” Michael said, according to The Guardian. “So just remember — remember her name.”
A tribute for Bondi Beach mass shooting victim, 10-year-old Matilda, whose last name is being withheld at the request of her family, at the Bondi Pavilion in Sydney, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (Steve Markham/AP Photo)
Matilda was one of 15 people who were killed in a shooting attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The victims who have been identified are Matilda, Schlanger, Peter Meagher, Tibor Weitzen, Alex Kleytman, Dan Elkayam, Marika Pogany, Reuven Morrison and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan.
A father-son duo is suspected of carrying out the attack, which occurred as Jews gathered at Bondi Beach for a Hanukkah celebration. Police shot the father, who “died at the scene,” while the son sustained “critical injuries.”
The younger shooter is facing a litany of charges, including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder. Other offenses he has been charged with include “commit terrorist act,” “discharge firearm etc intend cause grievous bodily harm,” “cause public display of prohibited terrorist org symbol” and “place explosive in/near building with intent cause harm,” according to the announcements.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
