Israeli President Isaac Herzog has arrived in Sydney for a four-day visit to Australia, aiming to show support for the Jewish community after a terror attack at Bondi Beach last December. Herzog plans to visit Jewish communities across Australia to express solidarity following the incident. Invited by Australia’s governor-general and prime minister, he is scheduled to participate in major community events and meet with senior politicians.
However, Herzog’s visit has stirred controversy due to Israel’s policies towards the Palestinians. Some Australian groups and members of the public have opposed his visit, citing concerns over Israel’s actions. Over 1,000 Australian Jews signed an open letter expressing that Herzog is unwelcome. Protests are planned in various Australian cities, including Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne, which Herzog is set to visit.
In Sydney, protesters are preparing to hold a rally and march in the city center on Monday evening. To ensure security during Herzog’s visit, over 3,000 officers, including 500 for the planned demonstration, will be deployed by the police in New South Wales. The terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14 last year, which resulted in 16 fatalities during a Jewish holiday celebration, was deemed a terrorist act inspired by the extremist group Islamic State.
