Israeli President Isaac Herzog has laid a wreath and two stones from Jerusalem at Bondi Beach, the site of a shooting that targeted a Jewish festival in December, marking the commencement of a controversial visit.
When one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain, he stated, expressing his intent to embrace and console the bereaved families during this somber occasion.
The four-day visit has been heavily guarded due to security concerns, with plans for Herzog to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra and visit Melbourne.
Senior Jewish leaders have indicated that his trip will provide comfort to a grieving community. However, there is considerable dissent surrounding his invitation, linked to his government's actions in Gaza, with allegations that he has incited violence.
Following the Bondi shooting, where 15 lives were lost, including a 10-year-old girl, Albanese extended the invite to Herzog, emphasizing the need for unity and social cohesion. Nonetheless, the event is expected to prompt protests throughout Australia, with estimates of up to 5,000 participants, particularly in Sydney on Monday evening.
Despite these protests, officials from the local government have invoked major event powers that grant police significant authority during the visit, raising concerns from activist groups.
In the aftermath of the Bondi attack, some community leaders welcomed Herzog’s presence, stating it would uplift the spirits of the affected families and potentially enhance relations between Australia and Israel.
Conversely, critics have strongly objected, including those from groups like the Jewish Council of Australia, which argued that Herzog's presence could reinforce the association between Jewish identity and Israeli state actions, undermining the community's safety.
An open letter published in Sydney by over 600 Australian Jews criticized this visit, highlighting the risks associated with inviting a leader accused of promoting violence.
Herzog's administrative history adds to the controversy, as a UN commission recently accused him of inciting actions categorized as genocidal during recent conflicts in Gaza, which he and Israeli officials have vehemently denied.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has acknowledged the diverse feelings surrounding the visit, noting the tragic loss of life from the Bondi attack and the Jewish community's request for Herzog to come.
