Israeli President Isaac Herzog has laid a wreath and two stones from Jerusalem at Bondi Beach, the site of a shooting that targeted a Jewish festival in December, at the start of a controversial visit.
When one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain, he said, adding he was there to embrace and console the bereaved families.
Security has been tight for the four-day visit during which he will also travel to Canberra and Melbourne and meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Senior Jewish leaders have said the trip will comfort a grieving community, but others have said he should not have been invited due to allegations he has incited genocide in Gaza.
Herzog was invited by Albanese after the shooting at Bondi, in which 15 people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, at an event celebrating Hanukkah. The prime minister believes the visit will contribute to social cohesion and a greater sense of unity after the attack; however, it is anticipated to be met with nationwide protests.
Organizers claim 5,000 people will attend the protest in Sydney, challenging the state's decision to invoke powers allowing police additional authority during Herzog's visit. Critics have raised ethical concerns about Herzog's invitation, citing ongoing tensions and atrocities in Gaza. Despite this, local Jewish leaders express that his presence serves as a reminder of solidarity, as the community mourns recently lost lives.
This visit carries significant political weight, aiming to mend relations affected by various geopolitical conflicts while also subject to severe scrutiny, both domestically and abroad.
When one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain, he said, adding he was there to embrace and console the bereaved families.
Security has been tight for the four-day visit during which he will also travel to Canberra and Melbourne and meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Senior Jewish leaders have said the trip will comfort a grieving community, but others have said he should not have been invited due to allegations he has incited genocide in Gaza.
Herzog was invited by Albanese after the shooting at Bondi, in which 15 people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, at an event celebrating Hanukkah. The prime minister believes the visit will contribute to social cohesion and a greater sense of unity after the attack; however, it is anticipated to be met with nationwide protests.
Organizers claim 5,000 people will attend the protest in Sydney, challenging the state's decision to invoke powers allowing police additional authority during Herzog's visit. Critics have raised ethical concerns about Herzog's invitation, citing ongoing tensions and atrocities in Gaza. Despite this, local Jewish leaders express that his presence serves as a reminder of solidarity, as the community mourns recently lost lives.
This visit carries significant political weight, aiming to mend relations affected by various geopolitical conflicts while also subject to severe scrutiny, both domestically and abroad.
