Shielded a 10-year-old Matilda with his body, paid with his life: Dan Elkayam buried in Israel

A French national who had immigrated to Australia, Elkayam worked as an IT engineer and was also a semi-professional soccer player.

By Eitan Devir, Jewish Breaking News

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the cemetery in Ashdod for the funeral of 27-year-old Dan David Elkayam, who was killed in the brutal Hanukkah terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

Family members and friends accompanied the procession as Elkayam was laid to rest in the city where many of his relatives live.

Elkayam’s partner, Krystal Troyano, delivered an emotional eulogy in English, describing him as a quiet and modest man whose circle of friends was vast.

“You were shy, but you had so many friends, more than anyone has,” she said.

“You were so quiet, but suddenly you would open your life and be so honest to anyone.”

She added, “We were living a dream, we knew it, that’s the best part. Thank you for choosing me, for never giving up on me, and for accepting me the way I am.”

According to accounts from the attack, Elkayam reportedly used his own body to shield 10-year-old Matilda, an act of heroic courage.

Unfortunately, they both succumbed to the terrorist attack.

A French national who had immigrated to Australia, Elkayam worked as an IT engineer and was also a semi-professional soccer player.

He had moved to Australia about a year before he was killed. At his family’s request, his body was returned to Israel for burial in Ashdod.

The Bondi Beach attack claimed the lives of 15 people. Authorities said it was carried out by 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed, the latter of whom survived.

Earlier this month, New South Wales Police announced that Naveed Akram had been charged with 59 counts, including 15 counts of murder. Investigators said he later refused to cooperate with questioning.