Australian PM promises crackdown on hate speech

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday promised a crackdown on hate speech in the wake of an attack on a Jewish holiday event at Sydney's Bondi Beach, as the youngest of 15 victims was laid to rest.

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Yellow toy bees topped the coffin of IO-year-old Matilda, who was remembered as a “ray of sunshine” who loved animals and dancing.

Matilda's middle name was Bee, which inspired attendees to wear bee stickers, and bring bee-themed toys and balloons, while some mourners wore yellow. Matilda’s family has asked the media not to use their surname.

“The tragic, so totally cruel, unfathomable murder of young Matilda is something to all of us as if our own daughter was taken from us,” said Rabbi Yehoram Ulman.

“Matilda grew up like a child would, loving what children love. She loved the outdoors, animals. She went to school, she had friends, everybody loved her.”

The alleged father-and-son gunmen opened fire as hundreds of people celebrated Hanukkah on Sydney's famous Bondi Beach on Sunday.

The attack, which shocked the nation and led to fears over rising antisemitism, appears to have been inspired by Daesh, authorities say.

The line outside the hall where Matilda's funeral was held at noon in Sydney's eastern suburbs snaked down the street. Many mourners who could not get in watched the service on a screen outside the building.