Israeli President Honors Victims of Bondi Shooting Amid Controversy

Tue Feb 10 2026 01:46:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia begins with a tribute at Bondi Beach, drawing both support and protests due to allegations surrounding his leadership amid the ongoing Gaza crisis.

Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, commenced his visit to Australia by laying a wreath at Bondi Beach to honor the victims of a recent shooting at a Hanukkah festival, which left 15 people dead. While many in the Jewish community view the visit as a gesture of solidarity, it has sparked significant controversy due to Herzog's alleged involvement in inciting violence in Gaza. Protests are planned during his stay, and some local leaders have openly criticized his invitation, suggesting it ties Jewish identity to the actions of the Israeli state.

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

During the ceremony, Herzog stated, When one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain, emphasizing his intention to embrace and console the bereaved families.

His four-day visit is heavily secured, during which he'll meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra and visit Melbourne.

While senior Jewish leaders believe Herzog's appearance will comfort a grieving community, critics argue he should not have been invited given accusations of inciting genocide in Gaza. The Bondi shooting left 15 individuals dead, including a 10-year-old girl, generating heightened sensitivities.

Prime Minister Albanese described the visit as a means to foster social unity post-tragedy, though protests against Herzog's presence are expected, including a large demonstration planned for the evening in central Sydney.

Organizers anticipate 5,000 participants, asserting their right to protest despite new restrictions." The Palestine Action Group is also challenging the use of enhanced police powers during this diplomatic visit.

Alex Ryvchin, co-chair of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, expressed hope that Herzog's visit would repair bilateral relations between Israel and Australia, supporting the victim families and survivors from the Bondi attack.

However, some community members and groups, including the Jewish Council of Australia, have condemned Herzog's invitation. They argue that it's inappropriate for a leader linked to ongoing violence and potential human rights violations to represent the Jewish community.

Herzog has faced backlash over comments made regarding the Gaza conflict, leading to accusations of inciting behavior that could lead to genocide. As protests loom, Herzog insists that his intention is to convey goodwill and acknowledge the long-standing friendship between Israel and Australia.

Australian officials have acknowledged the strong emotions surrounding his visit but underline the need to recognize the context of the tragic Bondi attack, urging critics to consider the communal grief ahead of relations between the two nations.