Colin Boyce (Flynn, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise with a heavy heart to speak on today's condolence motion honouring the victims of the Bondi terror attack. On 14 December 2025 a Islamic State inspired attack occurred at Bondi Beach. It was a day that was meant to be a celebration of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, that turned into a nightmare for around a thousand people in attendance while millions of Australians watched the terror unfold on television and social media. Fifteen victims were tragically killed, and over 40 people were injured and taken to hospital. I will use this time allocated to me to speak about these victims and honour them.

The youngest victim of the terror attack was a little 10-year-old girl named Matilda. Matilda's family moved to Australia from Ukraine, and Matilda was their first born in the country. Her parents thought 'Matilda' was the most Australian name that could ever exist. Matilda is remembered as a bright, joyful and spirited child who loved life and animals. In her honour, her family asked people to draw and share pictures of bees online, as her middle name was Bee.

Boris and Sofia Gurman, who had been married for 32 years, were also confirmed killed. Dashcam footage was released of Mr Gurman attempting to disarm an attacker to protect others. Their family said:

While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness.

This encapsulates Boris and Sofia, who were people instinctively and selflessly trying to help others.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger was one of the organisers of the Hanukkah event. His father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, stated:

My biggest regret was, apart from the obvious, to tell Eli more often how much we love him, how much I love him, how much we appreciate everything that he does and how proud we are of him.

French engineer Dan Elkayam was among the 15 people killed. The 27-year-old, who worked at NBC Universal, had been at the beach playing soccer with friends and celebrating the Jewish holiday when the shooting unfolded. Dan was remembered as an adventurous young man who loved travel, meeting people, playing soccer and celebrating his Jewish faith.

Alexander Kleytman was a Holocaust survivor who came to Australia from Ukraine. Mr Kleytman's daughter Sabina said her father had died:

… doing what he loved most. Protecting my mother—he probably saved her life—and standing up and being a proud Jew.

She said:

Lighting the light, bringing the light to this world.

Peter Meagher was a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event who was killed. He spent almost four decades in the NSW Police force, with members of his local footy club saying:

The tragic irony is that he spent so long in the dangerous front line as a police officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos in his passion role is really hard to comprehend.

His family said:

Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter. He was a cherished brother, husband and uncle whose kindness, generosity and love touched everyone who knew him. Our lives have been changed forever.

My thoughts are with the family and the loved ones of the remaining victims, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Edith Brutman, Marika Pogany, Tibor Weitzen, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Reuven Morrison and Tania Tretiak. On behalf of the electorate of Flynn—I'm sure that I can speak for everybody in my community—we pass on our condolences to the families and to the victims particularly. May they all rest in peace.

As a final word, I would like to speak directly to the Jewish community of Australia, particularly those people in the gallery today. As a legislator and as a member of parliament, along with all of my parliamentary colleagues, I wonder what has happened to Australia. I'll make this commitment to you here. I will do everything I possibly can to rid this wonderful country of extremist Islamic terror. That is a commitment I make to you here today.

See this speech in context