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Herzog pays tribute at Bondi Beach following deadly attack
Israeli President Isaac Herzog laid a wreath and placed two stones from Jerusalem at Bondi Beach on Monday, honoring victims of a December shooting that targeted a Jewish festival. The attack left 15 people dead, including a 10-year-old girl. Herzog described the visit as an effort to "embrace and console the bereaved families," stating, "When one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain."
Controversial visit sparks nationwide protests
Herzog's four-day trip, which includes stops in Canberra and Melbourne, has drawn both support and criticism. While senior Jewish leaders welcomed the visit as a source of comfort for the grieving community, others argue he should not have been invited due to allegations of inciting genocide in Gaza. Protests are expected across the country, including a rally in central Sydney on Monday evening, despite government restrictions.
Organizers estimated 5,000 attendees for the Sydney protest, which proceeded after a legal challenge by the Palestine Action Group failed. The New South Wales government invoked "major event" powers, granting police expanded authority to close locations, conduct searches, and impose fines up to $5,500 for non-compliance. Police reported addressing four incidents during Herzog's Bondi Beach visit, including one man who shouted "shame" at the president and was ordered to leave.
Mixed reactions from Jewish and advocacy groups
Alex Ryvchin, co-chair of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, praised Herzog's visit as a morale boost for the Jewish community. "For the victim families and survivors, it means a great deal," he said, expressing hope it would strengthen bilateral ties between Australia and Israel.
However, the Jewish Council of Australia (JCA) and the Australian National Imams Council opposed the invitation. JCA executive officer Sarah Schwartz called it "deeply offensive," warning it could reinforce harmful stereotypes linking Jewish identity to Israeli state actions. A letter signed by 600 Australian Jews, published in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, stated, "Herzog does not speak for us and is not welcome here."
Nasser Mashni, president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, described the visit as a "very bitter pill to swallow" and a "dark day."
Allegations of incitement and diplomatic tensions
A UN commission last year concluded Herzog was among Israeli leaders who "incited the commission of genocide" through public statements, including remarks that "it's an entire nation out there that is responsible" for the October 7 Hamas attack. Herzog was also photographed signing an artillery shell destined for Gaza. His comments were cited in South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide.
Herzog dismissed the UN report as misleading, while Israel denied the genocide allegations. Australian human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti, a member of the UN commission, argued Herzog should be arrested, contending that diplomatic immunity should not apply to "atrocity crimes."
Political divisions and security measures
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the visit, framing it as a gesture of unity following the Bondi attack. "President Herzog is coming in the context of the devastating antisemitic terrorist attack," he said, while acknowledging the right to protest. Some federal and state Labor MPs plan to join the Sydney demonstration, highlighting divisions within the party.
Herzog addressed the protests during his visit, stating, "I have come here in goodwill... Australia and Israel are close friends and allies." He condemned rising global antisemitism, warning, "Hatred that starts with the Jews never ends with the Jews."
Background: Strained diplomatic relations
Tensions between Australia and Israel escalated last year after Albanese's government recognized Palestine as a state, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accuse Australia of "betrayal" and label Albanese "weak."
