Tensions flared across Australia as Israeli President Isaac Herzog kicked off his official visit with a heartfelt homage at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The site of the December 14 terror shooting, where a gunman killed 15 during a Hanukkah event, saw Herzog console survivors and lay flowers in remembrance.
Invited by PM Anthony Albanese following the attack, Herzog’s week-long tour aims to bolster Israel-Australia relations. Yet, his arrival coincided with mass demonstrations. Protesters swarmed Sydney’s streets, prompting police intervention with pepper spray at Town Hall to scatter the crowds. Multiple detentions followed the violent dispersals.
Contrastingly, Herzog was met with thunderous applause at the International Convention Centre by a 7,000-strong crowd. Standing ovations greeted speeches from figures like former Senator Nova Peris, who lauded Israel’s global role for Jews. Attendees included ex-PM Scott Morrison, former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
In his keynote, Herzog celebrated the audience’s ‘inspirational connection to Israel and active Zionism.’ He noted their proud display of Jewish heritage and committed to deepening democratic bonds. ‘Together, we will find ways to increase cooperation, understanding, and strengthen our relations,’ he affirmed, planning talks with top leaders.
Outside, the scene was far stormier. Protests in Sydney and other cities turned ugly, with law enforcement using non-lethal force to restore order. The Sydney Morning Herald reported on the pepper spray incidents and arrests, painting a picture of deep divisions.
This visit, born from shared grief, navigates a landscape of support and opposition. Herzog’s engagements signal a push for unity, but the protests remind of fractures in public opinion over geopolitical issues.