Thousands gathered across Australia on Monday to protest the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is visiting several cities with the aim of expressing his solidarity with Jews in this country, after the December 14 attack on Bondi Beach, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people. Agence France-Presse reported that police in Sydney used pepper spray and entered into clashes with pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
Published on: 09/02/2026 - 12:29
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Thousands of demonstrators protested Monday in several Australian cities against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to their country. The French news agency, citing its correspondent in Australia, reported that police in Sydney used pepper spray and entered into clashes with demonstrators as they tried to leave the area designated for the demonstration.
In Sydney, thousands gathered in a square in the city's central business district, listening to speeches and chanting pro-Palestinian slogans. “The Bondi massacre was horrific, but our Australian leadership does not recognize the Palestinian people and the people of Gaza,” said a 30-year-old protester from Sydney.
He added, "Herzog evades all questions related to the occupation and said that this visit is related to relations between Australia and Israel, but he is complicit."
At the invitation of his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, the Israeli president is visiting several cities with the aim of expressing his solidarity with the Jews in Australia after the December 14 attack on Bondi Beach, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people. The visit angered some Australians, who accuse Herzog of complicity in the killing of civilians in Gaza.
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“Raises the morale of a suffering community.”
Herzog began his visit from Bondi Beach, where he laid a wreath at a memorial to the victims of the attack. He met with survivors and family members of 15 people killed in the shooting incident.
“This was also an attack on all Australians,” he said in a speech at the site of the attack. “They targeted the values that our democracies hold dear, the sanctity of human life, freedom of religion, tolerance, dignity and respect.”
In a statement, Alex Rifchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said Herzog's visit "lifts the spirits of a hurting community." Some Jews oppose this visit.
The Australian Jewish Council, a vocal critic of the Israeli government, on Monday issued an open letter signed by more than a thousand academics and prominent figures from Australian Jews urging Albanese to cancel Herzog's invitation.
Activating special police powers
The authorities in Sydney stated that Herzog's visit was an important event and activated powers that they rarely use during visits, including the ability to disperse and move crowds and restrict entry to certain areas.
A legal action failed before a Sydney court on Monday from the pressure group Palestine Action, which organizes protests against the restrictions imposed on the expected protests.
“We hope we will not have to use any of these powers, because we are in close contact with the protest organisers,” NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna told Nine News. He added, "In general, we want to maintain the safety of all members of the community... We will be present in large numbers only to ensure the safety of the community."
France 24/AFP/Reuters
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