Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Sydney today, , beginning a four-day official visit to Australia following the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach on . The visit is intended to express solidarity with the Australian Jewish community, which was deeply affected by the attack that authorities have labelled antisemitic “terrorism.”
Herzog was invited by the Governor-General and Prime Minister of Australia to join the community in mourning the victims of the massacre at a Hanukkah event. He stated his intention to visit Jewish communities across the country to “express solidarity and offer strength” in the wake of the tragedy. He will attend major communal events and meet with senior Australian politicians during his stay.
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the President’s visit “will lift the spirits of a pained community.” Ryvchin added that Herzog has experience comforting families and first responders after terrorist attacks and “will know how to reassure and fortify our community in its darkest time.”
Mourners gather by floral tributes at the Bondi Pavillion in memory of the victims of a shooting at Bondi Beach on . Photo: AFP / Saeed Khan
However, Herzog’s visit has been met with significant opposition. More than 1,000 Jewish Australians signed an open letter declaring that he is “not welcome here,” and nationwide protests against the visit and his role in the ongoing conflict in Gaza are planned.
The controversy stems from a report by a UN Commission of Inquiry which concluded that Herzog, along with other Israeli leaders, incited the commission of genocide. These allegations are also part of South Africa’s case against Israel before the International Court of Justice. Israel and Herzog himself reject the accusation of genocide, maintaining that his comments have been taken out of context.
Increased Police Presence for Protests
Protests are scheduled to take place at Sydney’s Town Hall this evening. New South Wales (NSW) Police have been negotiating with protest organizers regarding the route and are deploying a substantial security force. More than 3,000 NSW Police officers will be on duty throughout Herzog’s visit, with 500 specifically assigned to the planned demonstration tonight.
The Palestine Action Group launched a last-minute legal challenge to the government’s decision to designate the protest area as a “major event.” This designation grants police expanded powers to manage crowd safety, separate opposing groups, and minimize the risk of confrontation. Under the Major Events Act, individuals who fail to comply with police directions could face fines of up to $5500.
The Palestine Action Group argued in court that the declaration was “draconian” and imposed rules unsuitable for protest activity. The matter was heard in the Supreme Court on , with a further hearing scheduled for the same day.
The visit occurs against a backdrop of heightened global tensions surrounding the conflict in Gaza and increasing scrutiny of Israel’s actions. The allegations of incitement to genocide, while vehemently denied by Israel, have further inflamed passions and contributed to the planned protests. The Australian government faces the challenge of balancing its support for its Jewish community with the need to facilitate peaceful protest and uphold freedom of expression.
The outcome of the legal challenge to the “major event” designation will likely influence the scale and nature of the protests during Herzog’s visit. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are preparing for potential confrontations. The President’s visit is therefore not only a gesture of solidarity with the Australian Jewish community, but also a focal point for broader political and diplomatic tensions.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Photo: The Yomiuri Shimbun via AFP
Ryvchin expressed hope that the visit would strengthen relations between Israel and Australia, but the protests suggest that this outcome is far from assured. The visit is being closely watched internationally as a barometer of public sentiment and diplomatic relations in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
