Australia Visit by President Herzog of Israel Prompts Protest

The arrival of Israel’s president in Australia to mourn 15 people killed at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach sparked protests and clashes in Sydney between police and activists who had objected to his invitation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Mr. Herzog, largely a ceremonial figure in Israel, was invited by Mr.

Albanese to honor the victims, but the invitation angered groups critical of Israeli policy in the Gaza war; Gazan officials say more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed. The Jewish Council of Australia said his presence “would fuel the flames of division” and “rightly spark mass protests.” Israel has denied committing genocide; the war followed the Oct.

7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw about 250 abducted. Mr. Albanese defended the visit as support for the Jewish community after the Bondi attack and said people had “a right to express their views.” New South Wales police had prepared for demonstrations, warning of assembly restrictions in parts of the central business district.

Australia, Sydney

israel, president herzog, australia, anthony albanese, bondi beach, hanukkah, sydney protests, gaza war, jewish council, police