At Bondi memorial event, Herzog tells Albanese hatred of Jews has no place in Australia

President Isaac Herzog tells Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that anti-Semitism has no place in Australia, as the two officials attend a memorial service at the Chabad of Bondi synagogue for the 15 people killed in the terror attack in December, Herzog’s office says in a statement.

“What we saw in Bondi, the blood-curdling act of blind hatred, hatred of Jews, hatred of Australian values, simply has no place in this country, or anywhere for that matter,” Herzog says in remarks to Albanese, who had invited the president to Australia in the wake of the shooting attack targeting a Chabad-run Hanukkah event.

Herzog calls Albanese “an important world leader,” adding that combating antisemitism “requires broad, serious measures,” and thanking him for “the legislation and initiatives” passed in Australia since the attack, which focused on tighter gun control measures and stronger powers to combat hate speech and extremist groups.

“The test will be in their full implementation and in the outcome,” Herzog says.

Herzog now joins Albanese for dinner at the premier’s private residence, his office adds.

Prior to the memorial service, Herzog, World Zionist Organization chairman Yaakov Hagoel, and Jewish Agency chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog met with bereaved families of victims of the Bondi attack.