Israeli leader Isaac Herzog touched down in Sydney on Monday, heading straight to Bondi Beach to honor the 15 lives lost in last year’s Hanukkah terror attack. Accompanied by community members and victims’ families, he offered prayers and tributes at the poignant location, setting a tone of remembrance for his Australian itinerary.
The trip stems from an invitation by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, issued in the attack’s aftermath. While warmly received by Jewish communities, Herzog’s presence ignited fury among protesters nationwide. In Sydney, rallies at prominent sites escalated, forcing police to deploy pepper spray and make arrests outside Town Hall.
A stark divide emerged: indoors at the Sydney International Convention Centre, 7,000 supporters erupted in standing ovations for Herzog. Prominent voices like ex-Senator Nova Peris hailed Israel as a ‘guiding light’ for Jews globally. The event boasted heavyweights including former PM Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton, and NSW Premier Chris Minns, whose names elicited roars of approval.
Herzog’s speech praised the crowd’s vibrant Zionism and Jewish pride. ‘This community inspires with its bond to Israel,’ he declared, vowing to fortify ties between the democracies. He outlined intentions to engage national leadership on expanding collaboration and mutual respect.
Simultaneously, outer areas and cities saw thousands clash violently. Police actions, detailed in local media, involved crowd control measures amid heated exchanges. The unrest underscores Australia’s complex stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
As Herzog’s visit unfolds, it spotlights both enduring alliances and brewing discontent, with implications for future diplomatic engagements.