Israeli President's Controversial Tribute Sparks Protests in Australia

Tue Feb 10 2026 01:19:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Isaac Herzog pays homage to victims of the Bondi Beach shooting amidst controversy surrounding his visit, which some denounce as an endorsement of violent policies in Gaza.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog began his contentious visit to Australia by laying a wreath at Bondi Beach, honoring victims of a recent shooting targeting the Jewish community. While he aims to console bereaved families, protests are planned against his visit over his alleged incitement of violence in Gaza. Mixed reactions have emerged from Jewish leaders and community members, with some welcoming the visit as a gesture of support while others call it offensive. The prime minister defends the visit as a step towards unity following the tragic event.

Israeli President's Controversial Tribute Sparks Protests in Australia

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has laid a wreath and two stones from Jerusalem at Bondi Beach, the site of a tragic shooting targeting a Jewish festival in December 2023, marking the start of his controversial visit to Australia.

Herzog stated, When one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain, emphasizing his intent to embrace and console the bereaved families affected by the Bondi attack that resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, including a child. This gesture, however, has sparked significant debate in Australia regarding his presence due to allegations of inciting violence and genocide during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Security is heightened during Herzog's four-day visit, which includes meetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra and Melbourne. While some Jewish leaders see this visit as a source of comfort to a grieving community, others have criticized it vocally, implying it normalizes and supports Herzog's controversial stance on Gaza.

The prime minister supports Herzog’s visit as a means to foster social cohesion and unity following the Bondi tragedy. Yet, it is anticipated that the visit will evoke significant protests, including a gathering expected to attract 5,000 participants in Sydney on Monday evening.

The Palestine Action Group has expressed discontent over the government's decision to assign special powers to police during Herzog's trip. Recently, a letter signed by 600 Australian Jews calling for Herzog's invitation to be revoked was published, stating, Inviting a foreign head of state who is implicated in an ongoing genocide... is deeply offensive. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about associating Jewish identity with the actions of the Israeli government.

In an interview addressing the planned protests, Herzog stated, I have come here in goodwill and in a message that Australia and Israel are close friends and allies since the days of old. He also highlighted the rising antisemitism globally as a critical concern.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged the emotions surrounding Herzog's visit while attempting to contextualize it in light of the tragic loss endured by the local Jewish community. She reiterated the calls for accountability regarding Israel's actions in Gaza while emphasizing support for the Jewish community's need for solidarity during this painful period.