SYDNEY, Australia — Israeli President Isaac Herzog commenced a politically charged state visit to Australia on Monday, arriving at Bondi Beach to honor victims of December’s antisemitic massacre that claimed 15 lives. The ceremonial visit, occurring amid heightened security with police snipers visible on rooftops, served both as an act of condolence and a diplomatic effort to strengthen bilateral relations.
Herzog met privately with families of those killed in the December 14 attack at a Jewish festival, where alleged gunman Naveed Akram perpetrated Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades. The president laid a wreath and two stones brought from Jerusalem at Bondi Pavilion, which had spontaneously transformed into a memorial site following the tragedy.
‘Our heart missed a beat, like all Israelis and all Jews,’ Herzog told reporters. ‘I’m here to express solidarity, friendship, and love.’ He emphasized that the stones would remain as permanent memorials, symbolizing global unity against terrorism.
The visit occurs against a backdrop of significant political friction. While mainstream Jewish groups welcomed Herzog, the Jewish Council of Australia published full-page advertisements in major newspapers declaring ‘Herzog does not speak for us and is NOT WELCOME HERE.’ The council’s executive officer Sarah Schwartz accused Herzog’s rhetoric of contributing to ‘illegal annexation of the West Bank’ and inciting ‘genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.’
Tensions between the Australian and Israeli governments have been escalating since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans six months ago to recognize Palestinian statehood. Herzog’s visit—initiated by Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Albanese’s request—represents an attempt to bridge diplomatic divides while addressing shared security concerns.
The Israeli president praised Australia’s recent legislative responses to the attack, including rushed legislation lowering thresholds for banning hate groups and establishing a royal commission to investigate antisemitism. However, Herzog acknowledged shared frustrations regarding preventive measures: ‘These frustrations were shared by many, many of us, including myself.’
Security measures intensified throughout Sydney, with police extending protest restrictions for additional two-week periods following the terrorist designation of the Bondi attack. Demonstrators risk arrest at planned protests organized by the Palestine Action Group, which Herzog characterized as attempts to ‘undermine and delegitimize Israel’s right to exist.’
The president’s itinerary includes visits to Melbourne and Canberra before departing Thursday, with both cities housing approximately 85% of Australia’s Jewish population.