In a move laden with symbolism, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog arrived in Sydney today, launching a four-day outreach to bolster Australia’s Jewish population reeling from the Bondi Beach terror attack. The December 14 incident claimed 16 victims amid a Jewish holiday gathering, fueled by extremist ISIS-inspired hatred.
Herzog, on an official invitation from top Australian leaders, plans sweeping visits to Jewish hubs nationwide. ‘This is about expressing solidarity and empowering communities post-attack,’ he declared, setting the tone for engagements with leaders and large-scale gatherings, plus high-level diplomatic meets.
But backlash simmers. Anti-Israel groups and ordinary citizens, incensed by Gaza policies, are mobilizing. A petition from more than 1,000 local Jews rejects Herzog’s welcome, while protest schedules fill up in key cities like Canberra, Melbourne, and tonight’s Sydney showdown.
Police presence is massive: 3,000+ officers statewide, 500 zeroed in on demonstration zones. This unprecedented security reflects the stakes, as the nation grapples with the attack’s scars – a stark reminder of vulnerability during celebrations turned deadly.
Herzog’s itinerary weaves support for the vulnerable with navigation of fierce opposition, potentially reshaping dialogues on antisemitism, Israel ties, and free expression Down Under. Observers watch closely as unity clashes with division.