Israeli President Isaac Herzog has laid a wreath and two stones from Jerusalem at Bondi Beach, the site of a shooting that targeted a Jewish festival in December, marking the beginning of a controversial visit.
When one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain, he stated, emphasizing his intention to embrace and console the bereaved families. This four-day visit includes stops in Canberra and Melbourne, where Herzog is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
While senior Jewish leaders have expressed that the visit brings comfort to a grieving community, there are strong objections from others who believe he should not have been invited due to past allegations of inciting genocide in Gaza.
The shooting at Bondi in December resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, during a Hanukkah celebration. Albanese has defended the visit, suggesting it will contribute to social cohesion and a greater sense of unity following the tragic event.
However, the anticipated visit is expected to face nationwide protests, including one in central Sydney on Monday, which is expected to draw around 5,000 participants.
Opposition to Herzog's invitation extends beyond protests, with criticisms stating it risks conflating Jewish identity with the actions of the Israeli state amid ongoing allegations of genocide. A letter organized by various groups, signed by 600 Australian Jews, condemns the visit.
As Herzog engaged with the Australian community, he asserted that the demonstrations undermined Israel's legitimacy and emphasized the global rise in antisemitism as a critical issue. Despite understanding the depth of feelings surrounding his visit, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong underlined that it was at the request of the Jewish community following the Bondi attack.
