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.

Kadish then reached out to her running group, HTFU, and another local group, the Bears. The response was immediate, with runners spanning experienced ultra-marathoners to first-time participants.

Many dressed in yellow and black, with some donning bee wings and antennae. All participants were provided with bee-themed pins and stickers. Throughout the 20th running of the event, which supports the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, team members engaged with fellow participants, sharing Matilda’s story and speaking openly about antisemitism.

“A lot of people said, ‘Oh, that’s very cute, you’re dressed as bees.’ And we actually told them why,” Kadish said. She recalled one particularly affecting exchange at the finish line, where a mother accompanied by two daughters learned of Matilda’s story. “She said, ‘My daughter is 11, and we are so sorry to hear this.'”

Valentyna Britvan expressed her gratitude. “What a beautiful team! Thank you so much for honouring our Matilda Bee!” she said.

Team member Barry Rosenberg finished second in his age group. The initiative raised more than $500 for Matilda’s family through a pre-run collection organised by a shule group, with further donations directed to a GoFundMe page.

Kadish said she plans to carry Matilda Bee pins to the upcoming Canberra Marathon.

“Absolutely,” she said, when The AJN asked her if the initiative might be repeated.