Australian police arrested seven men in anti-terror raids in Sydney on Thursday, as the country records the youngest victim of the deadly Bondi Beach attack.
New South Wales Police said “an operation in George Street, Liverpool, in Sydney’s south-west has been completed.”
“Police Tactical Operations responded to information received that a violent act may be planned,” the department said in a statement. “Police subsequently intercepted two cars as part of the investigation.”
“While the investigation continues, seven men are assisting police with their investigation,” the statement said.
SURVIVING AUSTRALIA TERROR SUSPECT FACED CHARGES AFTER FATAL ATTACK
People take part in a floral tribute outside Bondi Pavilion on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Thursday, December 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Steve Markham)
Some reports indicate it was believed the prisoners were heading to Bondi. Authorities say there is no known connection to the deadly attack on a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
The youngest victim of the Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack was laid to rest on Thursday.
The funeral of 10-year-old Matilda, whose family has asked that her surname not be made public, took place in Sydney on Thursday. Her funeral was attended by family, friends and mourners who wanted 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,” said her teacher, Irina Goodhew, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “Her memory reminds us to carry kindness in our hearts and spread it around the world.”
Students from La Perouse Public School also remembered Matlida, who they gave an indigenous nickname: ‘wuri wuri’, meaning ‘the little ray of sunshine’, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
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Family carries the coffin after a service for 10-year-old Bondi Beach mass shooting victim Matilda, whose surname is being withheld at the request of her family, in Sydney, Thursday, December 18, 2025. (Steve Markham/AP Photo)
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, whose son-in-law Rabbi Eli Schlanger also died in the attack, spoke at Matilda’s funeral. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Ulman said Matilda’s parents also took time to check on him.
“They had enough in their hearts to think about someone else going through the same thing they were,” Ulman said. “You gave me strength when you needed strength yourself.”
Matlida’s parents, Valentyna and Michael, emigrated to Australia from Ukraine. Michael told it 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 first born in Australia. And I thought Matilda was the most Australian name that could ever exist,” Michael said, according to The Guardian. “So remember, remember her name.”
A tribute to Bondi Beach mass shooting victim, 10-year-old Matilda, whose surname is being withheld at the request of her family, at the Bondi Pavilion in Sydney, Thursday, December 18, 2025. (Steve Markham/AP Photo)
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Matilda was one of 15 people killed in a shooting during a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The victims identified are Matilda, Schlanger, Peter Meagher, Tibor Weitzen, Alex Kleytman, Dan Elkayam, Marika Pogany, Reuven Morrison and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan.
A father-son duo are suspected of carrying out the attack, which took place as Jews gathered on Bondi Beach for a Hanukkah celebration. Police shot the father, who “died on the spot,” while the son suffered “serious injuries.”
The younger gunman faces a litany of charges, including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of wounding/grievous bodily harm to persons with intent to murder. Other offenses he has been charged with include committing a terrorist act, discharging a firearm etc. with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, publicly displaying the symbol of a proscribed terrorist organization and placing explosives in/near a building with intent to cause damage, police said. announcements.
This is a development story. Check back later for updates.
