During a state visit to Australia, Israeli President Isaac Herzog laid a wreath and stones at a memorial site in Sydney on Monday, honoring the victims of an antisemitic attack that occurred on December 14, 2023. The tragic incident, which took place during a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach, resulted in the deaths of 15 people and left another 40 injured, marking Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades.
Herzog, who arrived in Sydney with his wife, Michal Herzog, met with the families of the victims and survivors. The site, near the Bondi Pavilion, became an impromptu memorial following the attack, with thousands of flowers and cards placed there in the days afterward. As part of his tribute, Herzog brought two stones from Jerusalem, which he stated would remain at Bondi as a symbol of resilience against terror and hatred.
Solidarity and Strengthening Ties
In a statement to reporters, Herzog expressed profound sorrow over the attack, saying, “We were shaken to our core when we first heard about the Bondi Beach attack. Our heart missed a beat, like all Israelis and all Jews. And I’m here to express solidarity, friendship, and love.” He emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between Israel and Australia, both democracies facing shared challenges.
Herzog’s visit comes amid heightened security, with police snipers visible on rooftops around Bondi. Following his tribute, he is scheduled to visit Melbourne and Canberra before returning to Israel on Thursday. Approximately 85% of Australia’s Jewish population resides in Sydney and Melbourne, making these cities significant for the community.
Protests are planned later on the same day, focusing on Israel’s military actions in Gaza and treatment of civilians in the region. While some groups are organizing demonstrations, mainstream Jewish organizations have welcomed Herzog’s visit, initiated by the invitation of Sam Mostyn, the Governor-General of Australia, at the request of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Addressing Antisemitism and Legislative Changes
In his remarks, Herzog acknowledged the Australian government’s efforts to combat antisemitism since the Bondi attack, which was reportedly influenced by the Islamic State group. The Australian Parliament recently expedited legislation lowering the threshold for banning hate speech groups and announced a royal commission to investigate antisemitism’s prevalence and causes.
Herzog shared the frustrations of victims’ families regarding preventative measures, stating, “These frustrations were shared by many, many of us, including myself.” He highlighted a global surge in antisemitism affecting various countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In response to the Bondi shooting being classified as a terrorist act, the New South Wales state parliament enacted legislation enhancing police powers to manage protests. These measures allow police to impose restrictions on demonstrations for up to 90 days following a declared terrorist attack, a decision that has been maintained as tensions rise during Herzog’s visit.
As Herzog prepares for further engagements in Australia, he reiterated that protests targeting him often serve to “undermine and delegitimize” Israel’s existence. His visit underscores a commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding amidst complex geopolitical challenges.
