Family Honors Mystery Heroine Who Saved Daughter in Bondi Attack

On December 14, a tragic event unfolded at Bondi Beach during the Chanukah by the Sea celebration. A mass shooting stunned the community and led to significant loss. Among the victims was 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of this antisemitic terror attack.

Details of the Bondi Shooting

Valentyna Poltavchenko and her husband Michael Britvan lost their daughter Matilda in a senseless act of violence. The family had enjoyed a festive day, watching Matilda and her six-year-old sister, Summer, engage in various holiday activities before chaos erupted. As gunshots rang out, panic set in. Initially mistaken for fireworks, the horrifying reality soon became apparent.

Responses to the Attack

In the immediate aftermath, Michael frantically searched for his daughters. He found Matilda injured and crying for help. Emergency responders, including an off-duty doctor and a paramedic, arrived quickly to assist her. Tragically, despite their efforts, Matilda was one of 15 individuals killed in the attack.

Summer, however, was found physically unharmed, sheltered by a woman with bright red hair, later identified as Tash Willemsen. Tash acted selflessly, pulling Summer and others to safety as the shooting unfolded.

Life After the Tragedy

In the weeks following the attack, Matilda’s parents opened up about their beloved daughter. They described her as a vivacious, loving child who adored animals and was inseparable from her sister. The family, originally from Ukraine, found a home in Australia, where Matilda’s personality blossomed. Her parents revealed a desire to keep her memory alive by renaming the park at Bondi in her honor.

Impact on Summer

Summer has been deeply affected by the trauma of witnessing her sister’s shooting. She experiences nightmares and has shown signs of emotional distress. Her parents worry about her well-being and have noted her maturity in the wake of the tragedy.

Call for Remembrance

Discussions are underway regarding the future of the footbridge involved in the shooting. Matilda’s parents have proposed painting it yellow to symbolize the dress she wore on that fateful day and installing a memorial plaque. They believe memorializing these locations is essential for remembrance and reflection.

The community continues to grieve, and efforts to promote awareness of hate crimes have intensified following the attack. The legacy of young Matilda, along with the support from those like Tash Willemsen who helped in the moments of crisis, embodies a call for solidarity against such senseless acts of violence.

• Date of Incident: December 14
• Victim: 10-year-old Matilda
• Number of Victims: 15
• Location: Bondi Beach
• Key Figures:
  • Valentyna Poltavchenko – Mother
  • Michael Britvan – Father
  • Tash Willemsen – Rescuer

As the family navigates this painful period, they remain determined to honor Matilda’s memory and advocate against hatred and violence, ensuring that her legacy lives on.