Sydney, Australia — On a visit intended to unite communities, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is facing opposition from thousands of protesters amid his engagement with survivors of a recent antisemitic attack. Herzog’s four-day tour, which began Monday, includes tributes to the victims of the Bondi terror attack that left 15 dead, including a ten-year-old girl, Matilda, and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, Alex Kleytman.
Upon his arrival, Herzog, accompanied by his wife Michal, laid a wreath at the memorial site in Bondi before placing stones from Jerusalem, an act steeped in Jewish tradition that symbolizes remembrance and loss. In statements to reporters, he emphasized the interconnectedness of the Jewish community, declaring, “When one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain.”
Crowds gathered in Sydney and Melbourne to express their disapproval of Herzog’s visit. Protesters, including prominent figures such as former Australian of the Year Grace Tame, criticized the timing of the Israeli president’s trip, labeling it a “normalization tour.” They argue that welcoming Herzog following the tragic events at Bondi contradicts the values of multiculturalism and justice for Palestinians.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry praised the visit as significant for survivors and their families, hoping it would strengthen relations between Australia and Israel. Co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin noted the emotional impact of Herzog’s presence on a grieving community.
In a poignant moment, Herzog paid homage to the victims during his remarks, reflecting on their lives and the broader implications of rising antisemitism globally. He characterized this issue as a “global emergency,” with a plea for international solidarity in confronting hatred and violence.
While acknowledging the sadness and frustration felt by the Jewish community, Herzog expressed gratitude for the Australian government’s responses since the attack, yet hinted at the shared frustrations regarding prior actions. He later shared images of heartfelt interactions with the families of the victims, stating his commitment to support them and honor their lost loved ones.
Despite Herzog’s goodwill message, his presence ignited controversy. A letter signed by over 600 members of the local Jewish community criticized his visit, arguing it undermined their stance on Palestinian rights. Protests were met with a significant police presence, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the trip.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called for calm amidst the demonstrations and announced a substantial police operation to maintain order during the visit. As Herzog continues his engagements, including meetings with the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the divisive reactions underscore the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Herzog’s visit is set against a backdrop of heightened tensions and persistent calls for accountability from various sectors of society. Some protesters even suggested that Herzog should face prosecution based on contentious claims from a UN commission regarding alleged incitement to genocide by Israeli leaders. The ongoing dialogue between supporters and opponents of Herzog’s presence signals the enduring impact of recent violence and the difficult conversations that lie ahead.