Israeli President Isaac Herzog described antisemitism in Australia as “frightening” on Thursday, the final day of a four-day visit intended to offer support to the local Jewish community following a shooting in Sydney in December. Herzog made the comments during a visit to Melbourne, where he met with the Governor of Victoria and addressed members of the Jewish community.
The December 14th shooting at Bondi Beach, which left 15 people dead, prompted Herzog’s trip. His presence, however, has been met with protests in multiple Australian cities. In Sydney on Monday, police deployed pepper spray against demonstrators, including a photographer with Agence France-Presse, during clashes in the city’s financial district, according to reports.
Speaking to Channel 7’s Sunrise program before arriving in Melbourne, Herzog stated that a “wave” of antisemitic hatred culminated in the Bondi Beach attack. “It’s frightening and worrying,” he said, but added that a “silent majority” of Australians seek peace and respect the Jewish community and aim for to engage in dialogue with Israel.
Herzog said he carried a “message of goodwill to the people of Australia.” Outside the Melbourne event, protesters waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans confronted police. Herzog suggested that protesters should instead “head protest in front of the Iranian embassy.”
The Australian government last year accused Iran of orchestrating a wave of antisemitic attacks and expelled the Islamic Republic’s ambassador. Prior to Herzog’s arrival in Melbourne, local media reported graffiti on a wall at the University of Melbourne reading “Death to Herzog.”
While many Australian Jews have welcomed Herzog’s visit, others have criticized him, citing his perceived responsibility for the situation in Gaza. Herzog concluded his visit without addressing the protests directly, and no further meetings are currently scheduled.
