Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited the Bondi Beach attack memorial, emphasizing his country’s shared values with Australia. Despite restrictions, protests due to the war in Gaza are expected.
Israel President Isaac Herzog started a visit to Australia, with the Bondi Beach attack playing a vital role in the trip.
Herzog held meetings with victims’ families and survivors of the antisemitic attack on a Jewish holiday — Australia’s worst shooting incident in 40 years — in which 15 people were killed.
The Israeli president laid the wreath and two stones he had brought from Jerusalem at a pavilion near the attack’s site, which became a make-shift memorial site after the shooting Upon his visit to the memorial, Herzog said the stones would remain at the site in victims’ memory as a reminder that people of all faiths and nations “will continue to hold strong in the face of terror, violence and hatred, and that we shall overcome this evil together.”
Speaking to reporters, the Israeli president said he had been “shaken to the core” hearing about the attack. “Our heart missed a beat, like all Israelis and all Jews. And I’m here to express solidarity, friendship, and love,” he said.
Herzog also said his visit provides an opportunity to improve bilateral relations between Israel and Australia.https://p.dw.com/p/58L1O
PoliticsIsrael
Australia: Israeli president visits Bondi Beach attack site
Felix Tamsut with AP, dpa
9 minutes ago9 minutes ago
Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited the Bondi Beach attack memorial, emphasizing his country’s shared values with Australia. Despite restrictions, protests due to the war in Gaza are expected.
https://p.dw.com/p/58L1O
Israeli President Isaac Herzog (center) in Sydey, Australia
Israeli President Isaac Herzog (center) visited the site of the Bondi Beach attackImage: Rick Rycroft/AP Photo/dpa/picture alliance
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Israel President Isaac Herzog started a visit to Australia, with the Bondi Beach attack playing a vital role in the trip.
Herzog held meetings with victims’ families and survivors of the antisemitic attack on a Jewish holiday — Australia’s worst shooting incident in 40 years — in which 15 people were killed.
The Israeli president laid the wreath and two stones he had brought from Jerusalem at a pavilion near the attack’s site, which became a make-shift memorial site after the shooting.
Flowers and photos are seen in memory of the victims of December 14 Bondi Beach shooting at the Bondi Pavilion in Sydney, AustraliaFlowers and photos are seen in memory of the victims of December 14 Bondi Beach shooting at the Bondi Pavilion in Sydney, Australia
Tributes poured in after the Bondi Beach attack, which took place at a Jewish fesitval [FILE: January 2026]Image: Steven Markham/AFP/Getty Images
Upon his visit to the memorial, Herzog said the stones would remain at the site in victims’ memory as a reminder that people of all faiths and nations “will continue to hold strong in the face of terror, violence and hatred, and that we shall overcome this evil together.”
Speaking to reporters, the Israeli president said he had been “shaken to the core” hearing about the attack. “Our heart missed a beat, like all Israelis and all Jews. And I’m here to express solidarity, friendship, and love,” he said.
Herzog also said his visit provides an opportunity to improve bilateral relations between Israel and Australia.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and first lady Michal Herzog lay a wreath during a ceremony to honour the families and victims of a deadly mass shooting during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi BeachIsraeli President Isaac Herzog and first lady Michal Herzog lay a wreath during a ceremony to honour the families and victims of a deadly mass shooting during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal laid a wreath at the memorial site for the shootingImage: Hollie Adams/REUTERS
“We are two democracies that share values together and we are confronting the roots of evil from all over the world,” Herzog said. “And we should do it together.”
Security measures in Sydney
Tight security accompanied Herzog’s visit, with police snipers being visible on rooftops near Bondi beach.
Apart from his visit to Sydney, Herzog will also visit Melbourne and capital Canberra before heading back to Israel on Thursday.
The president plays a largely ceremonial role in Israel, with the invitation being initiated by Jewish mainstream groups in the country.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Australia’s equivalent position to the Israeli president role, then followed suit and extended the invitation, after a request by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Albanese has been at odds with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu over the Australian recognition of a Palestinian state six months ago.
