Thousands of protesters took to the streets across Australia on Monday, , demonstrating against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The protests unfolded in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Darwin, and Brisbane, reflecting widespread opposition to Herzog’s presence in the country.
The visit, arranged by Australian Governor-General David Hurley and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, was intended as a gesture of solidarity with the Australian Jewish community following the December Bondi attack, a Hanukkah celebration marred by violence that resulted in 15 deaths. However, the invitation sparked immediate and sustained criticism from pro-Palestinian activists and some Jewish groups within Australia.
Clashes and Arrests in Sydney
The most significant confrontations occurred in Sydney, where protests at Sydney Town Hall escalated into clashes with police. NSW Police deployed pepper spray in an attempt to control the crowds, who were chanting slogans including “we will march.” According to NSW Police, people were arrested during the Sydney protest, with of those arrests related to alleged assaults on police officers. Protesters had earlier lost a legal challenge against expanded police powers granted in anticipation of Herzog’s visit.
Footage circulating online, as reported by multiple outlets, appears to show police physically confronting protesters. The incidents have raised questions about the appropriate level of force used by law enforcement during the demonstrations.
Herzog’s Visit and Condemnation
Despite the protests, President Herzog proceeded with his four-day visit, beginning with a visit to the site of the Bondi attack. He laid a wreath and met with families of the victims, expressing solidarity with the Jewish community. “Standing here at Bondi – an iconic symbol of Australian life, now scarred by the December 14th massacre – I embrace our Australian Jewish sisters and brothers still reeling from this trauma,” Herzog stated in a post on X. “My visit to Australia, to all of you, is one of solidarity, strength, and sincere friendship from the State of Israel and the people of Israel.”
However, Herzog’s visit has been labelled as insensitive and inappropriate by those critical of Israeli policy towards Palestinians. Activists have described him as a “war criminal” and called for his arrest. Chris Sidoti, an Australian human rights lawyer, publicly urged Prime Minister Albanese to either rescind the invitation or arrest Herzog upon arrival, alleging incitement to “genocide.”
Divisions Within the Jewish Community
The controversy surrounding Herzog’s visit extends beyond the broader political debate. The progressive Jewish Council of Australia was among those opposing the visit, publishing a letter in the Sydney Morning Herald signed by approximately Australian Jews who voiced their objections. This demonstrates a significant internal division within the Australian Jewish community regarding the appropriate response to the Bondi attack and the role of international diplomacy.
Government Defense of the Visit
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended the decision to invite Herzog, emphasizing the wishes of the Jewish community in the wake of the Bondi tragedy. “We have the Australian Jewish community, who have been targeted in an overtly antisemitic terrorist attack. We have had Australians die, we have families mourning, and this was a request from the Jewish community for President Herzog to visit,” Wong stated. Despite her own publicly stated criticism of Israeli policies, Wong framed the invitation as a direct response to the needs of a community experiencing grief and trauma.
Geopolitical Context and Regional Implications
Herzog’s visit to Australia occurs against a backdrop of heightened international tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Bondi attack, while a localized incident, was widely condemned as an act of antisemitism and prompted a global outpouring of support for the Jewish community. However, it also reignited debate about the broader geopolitical context and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The protests in Australia reflect a growing international trend of increased scrutiny of Israeli policies and a rising tide of pro-Palestinian activism. The Australian government’s decision to invite Herzog, despite the potential for protests and controversy, underscores its commitment to maintaining strong ties with Israel while also navigating the complex domestic and international pressures surrounding the issue. The situation highlights the challenges faced by governments in balancing diplomatic considerations with the need to address concerns about human rights and international law.
The protests are expected to continue throughout Herzog’s visit, and the situation remains fluid. Authorities are bracing for further demonstrations and potential clashes as the Israeli President continues his tour of Australia.
