Herzog tells Sydney’s Jews he hopes to ‘increase understanding’ with Australian leaders

President Isaac Herzog expresses Israel’s solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and says he intends to “increase understanding” with the country amid rising antisemitism there, speaking at a memorial event for the victims of the December terror attack on a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, during which 15 people were murdered.

“The hatred that triggered the shooting at Bondi is the very same, age-old, plague of antisemitism endured by our parents and grandparents,” Herzog says in a readout from his office, adding that “somehow, the [Hamas-led 2023] October 7th massacre…emboldened closeted antisemites, here in Australia and around the world.”

“We have longed to see you and to grieve with you, and we come bearing the prayers of your Israeli family,” Herzog says at the ceremony, attended by survivors of the attack, families of victims, and thousands of members of the Sydney Jewish community.

The event was also attended by New South Wales Governor Margaret Beazley, New South Wales Premier Chris Minn, and additional senior officials and representatives of the Jewish community.

“I am here also to reinvigorate the important relations between our two strong democracies,” Herzog continues. “I know that by working together we will find the way to expand collaboration and increase understanding and upgrade our relations. During my visit, I intend to discuss it with your national leadership,” he says.

“Together we grieve, together we remember, and together we will build a safer future we can share,” Herzog concludes.

Herzog is slated to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who invited him for the visit, as well as Governor-General Sam Mostyn and others “from across the political spectrum” during his trip, which has also drawn widespread opposition and organized protests from local anti-Israel groups.