Bondi Beach child victim identified as 10-year-old Matilda Poltavchenko: Family left heartbroken

The 10-year-old child killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack has been identified as her heartbroken family speak out over their devastating loss.

Matilda Poltavchenko was at Bondi Beach on Sunday Night when two men opened fire, killing 15 innocent people.

“A great tragedy has happened to my family,” Matilda’s aunt wrote on Facebook on Monday.

“Yesterday my beloved niece Matilda was killed during a terrorist attack in Bondi Beach.

“I don’t know how we survive such grief.”

Matilda’s aunt, Lina Cznernik, has shared more heartbreaking details in the wake of the attack in an interview with 7NEWS.

“We are all devastated....I look on the phone and I’m just hoping it’s not real,” she said.

“I wish it never happened to anyone, to any family to go through what we’re going through.

“I just can’t believe this happened in Australia and to my family. We will never be the same. We will never be a happy family again.”

Ms Cznernik revealed that Matilda was attending the festival with her sister, Summer, when she was killed.

The devastated aunt added that Matilda and her sister were the “happiest kids you can imagine”.

“They don’t have much, but they were happy with what they have...going out on the beach for walks, just simple things in life,” Ms Cznernik said.

“She was like any other child, liked playing, liked going out, liked nature...just a happy kid. It was like sunshine when you see them. They always cuddle me and kiss me...and now we’ve lost it. We lost Matilda.”

Matilda remembered as ‘bright, joyful, spirited’

A GoFundMe has since been set up by one of Matilda’s teachers, with the funds to be directed to the 10-year-old’s grieving mother Valentina Poltavchenko.

Teacher Irina Goodhew said Matilda was a “bright, joyful and spirited child,” adding that she “brought light to everyone around her”.

“Yesterday, while celebrating Hanukkah, her young life was tragically taken,” Ms Goodhew wrote on the GoFundMe.

“Her memory will live on in our hearts.

“All donations will be transferred directly to her to support the family during this incredibly difficult time. Donations are made in loving memory of Matilda.”

At the time of reporting, $28,000 has been raised from over 400 donations.

Five other victims were identified earlier on Monday, including a holocaust survivor who died protecting his wife.

Alexander Kleytman

Holocaust survivor, Alexander Kleytman, is also among those confirmed dead.

“Alex was murdered while shielding his wife during the massacre. He leaves behind his beloved wife, two children, and eleven grandchildren,” wrote Stand With Us, a nonprofit organisation fighting against anti-Semitism.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger

NSW Senator Dave Sharma has confirmed that Rabbi Eli Schlanger was one of the victims killed at the event.

“Rabbi Eli Schlanger touched the hearts and lives of many, with his warmth, generosity, enthusiasm and compassion,” Mr Sharma wrote on Facebook.

“He leaves behind a loving wife, dear children, extended family, and the souls of many who encountered his indefatigable faith in humanity.”

Dan Elkayam

The French Foreign Minister has confirmed Frenchman Dan Elkayam was among those killed in the horrific shooting.

“It is with immense sadness that we learned that our compatriot Dan Elkayam would be among the victims of the vile terrorist attack that struck the Jewish families gathered on Bondi Beach in Sydney on the first day of Hanukkah,” he wrote on X.

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French President Emmanuel Macron also paid his respects to Mr Elkayam on social media.

“I think of his family and loved ones and express to them the full solidarity of the nation,” he wrote.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan and Reuven Morrison

Two other victims, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan and Reuven Morrison, have been identified.

As of 12.30pm on Monday, 16 people were confirmed dead, including one of the gunmen. Eleven patients were listed as critical condition and are fighting for their lives. Two of those are reported to be police officers.

Peter Meagher

Former NSW police officer Peter Meagher was confirmed to be one of the 15 victims who senselessly lost their lives during Sunday’s terror attack.

He was working as a freelance photographer at the Chanukah celebration in Bondi before getting caught up in the attack.

Mr Meagher worked in the police force for nearly 40 years and was a beloved member of the NSW rugby community.

He has served as the Randwick Rugby club’s first grade team manager since 2018 and was named Club Volunteer of the Year in 2020.