DEEP SORROW
A deep sense of sorrow has settled over Australia in the past seven days.
Parents Michael and Valentyna trembled and wept as they buried their 10-year-old daughter Matilda, the youngest killed in the assault.
The Ukrainian migrants chose her name in homage to “Waltzing Matilda”, Australia’s beloved folk ballad.
Loved ones collapsed in grief as they travelled from one funeral to the next.
“The loss is unspeakable,” said rabbi Levi Wolff.
The alleged attackers drew inspiration from the jihadist Islamic State group, authorities said as they branded the shooting an antisemitic act of terrorism.
Already, it threatens to fray the bonds of social cohesion in a multicultural nation.
Pig heads have been dumped on Muslim graves, and right-wing groups have organised a fresh wave of anti-immigration rallies.
Jewish community leaders have accused the government of ignoring a rising tide of antisemitism.
“Do we feel safe? You know, the answer is ‘not really’, to be honest,” rabbi Yossi Friedman told AFP at a floral memorial for the victims.
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