Hate preachers on notice as Bondi victims mourned

The youngest and oldest victims of the Bondi Beach terror attacks have been laid to rest as the government moves ahead with cracking down on extremist clerics.

Two grieving Jewish families forever linked by the Bondi Beach terror attack have laid to rest loved ones as authorities target hate speech in schools and religious centres.

Ten-year-old Matilda and 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman were among 15 people killed when two gunmen who opened fire at Hanukkah celebrations on Sunday night.

The pair are the youngest and oldest victims of the attack at Sydney’s famous beach.

NSW Premier Chris Minns attended the young girl’s funeral, reading a poem dedicated to Matilda as a white balloon bearing her name hovered, surrounded by wreaths.

“Her spirit – like a swagman’s – will never fade away,” he told scores of mourners.

Larisa Kleytman, wife of Ukrainian-born Holocaust survivor Alex, meanwhile remembered his resilience and courage to his final moment – moving to shield her from gunfire as the attack unfolded.

In Canberra, a sombre tone was matched with political action with Anthony Albanese announcing a five-point plan aimed at expanding hate laws to tackle extremist speech.

These include aggravated hate speech offences for preachers and leaders who promote violence, and listing centres and groups engaging in racial hatred.

Narrow federal offences for serious vilification based on race or advocating racial supremacy will also be introduced.

“The terrorist atrocity that killed 15 innocent people, including 10-year-old Matilda … was an attack on our Jewish community, but it was also an attack on the Australian way of life,” Mr Albanese told reporters.

“Australians are shocked and angry. I am angry. It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge – much more.”

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said prior governments had been unable to successfully take action against extremist Islamist preachers because their actions had fallen just below the legal threshold.

“Today, we’re announcing that we’re shifting the threshold. We have no time for organisations where their mission is to hate Australia and to hate fellow Australians.”

Disaster recovery funds, normally reserved for natural disasters, were also activated after a terror attack for the first time to financially support victims and small businesses impacted in Bondi.

The extensive crime scene at Bondi was lifted overnight, allowing joggers to return to the promenade and the footbridge from where the shooters conducted their attack.

Scores of mayors from across NSW gathered at the ever-growing makeshift floral memorial outside the Bondi Pavilion to pay their respects.

Shooting survivor Arsen Ostrovsky – with a bandage where bullet fragments entered his head – also visited the memorial, breaking down in tears.

He described Sunday’s attack in vivid detail.

“I put my hand on my head. I almost felt my bone,” he told reporters.

“The doctors said it was a miracle. I was millimetres away from life and death.”

The identity of another victim was released after Adam Smyth was struck down on Sunday night while on a walk with his wife Katrina.

His devastated family said no words could describe the pain of losing the generous, kind, irreplaceable, sport-loving man.

The family of Holocaust survivor Marika “Omi” Pogany also remembered her warmth, energy and pride for Australia, where she arrived from Czechoslovakia in 1968.

“Her kindness, laughter, and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone she met, and her incredible network of friends was a true reflection of the love and loyalty she inspired,” the family said, through NSW Police.

Naveed Akram, 24, remains in hospital under police guard after being shot by police on Sunday.

He was charged on Wednesday with 59 offences including committing a terrorist act and 15 counts of murder.

His 50-year-old father Sajid, a licensed gun owner with six firearms to his name, died at the scene.

Police are examining their links to Islamic extremism.

“This was about extremism. This was ISIS-inspired. We know ISIS distorts and corrupts Islam, which leads to radicalisation,” federal police commissioner Krissy Barrett said.

Other victims include a retired police officer and a father who ran at the gunmen, hurling a brick, while dozens of others were injured.

More than $4.7 million has been raised for victims’ families, survivors and the local community online.

Seventeen people remain in hospital, including one in a critical condition.

Four others are critical but stable, including Constable Scott Dyson, who underwent surgery on Wednesday.

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By: Farid Farid, Kat Wong and Tom Wark/AAP