Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach became a focal point of grief and geopolitics as Israeli President Isaac Herzog paid respects to the victims of the deadly December Hanukkah shooting. Arriving Monday, he met with the Jewish community, including attack survivors, laying wreaths at the site where 15 perished.
Hosted at PM Anthony Albanese’s behest post-tragedy, the visit seeks to reinforce bilateral democracy links. However, it unleashed protests rippling through Australian cities. Sydney saw intense standoffs, with police resorting to pepper spray at Town Hall to disperse agitators, resulting in arrests.
The warmth inside the International Convention Centre couldn’t have contrasted more sharply. Over 7,000 gave Herzog a rousing reception, with standing ovations and cheers for speakers like Nova Peris, who positioned Israel as a Jewish beacon. Ex-leaders Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton, and NSW Premier Chris Minns joined the fray.
Herzog lauded the attendees’ proud Zionism and Israel ties. ‘Your contributions honor Australia and Israelis alike,’ he said, pledging renewed efforts with leaders to boost cooperation and comprehension between the nations.
Outdoors, fury boiled over into skirmishes reported widely, including police use of irritants. This duality – celebration within, confrontation without – encapsulates the visit’s charged atmosphere.
Herzog’s agenda presses on, promising dialogues amid a backdrop of polarized views, testing Australia’s navigation of international friendships and domestic discord.