Melbourne runners keep 10-year-old’s memory alive

More than 30 members of Melbourne’s Jewish community ran under the banner of “Team Matilda Bee” at this year’s Run for the Kids event on 29 March, honouring Matilda Britvan, the 10-year-old killed in the Bondi massacre on December 14, 2025.

Matilda was the youngest victim of the attack. The team was created by Beverley Kadish, who had already planned to participate in the annual 14.4-kilometre charity run with her family.

“A little girl has died, and we are doing Run for the Kids, and it’s all of our children,” Kadish said.

She drew inspiration from a social media personality known as the Jewish Fitness Coach, who runs in a Batman outfit in memory of the Bibas boys killed on October 7 . Kadish contacted Matilda’s mother, Valentyna Britvan, who warmly endorsed the initiative.

“I think the hardest part for me was phoning Matilda’s mother and speaking to her. Just one of the most difficult phone calls I’ve ever had. What do you say to parents in that situation?” she said.