Israeli president Isaac Herzog invited to visit Australia after Bondi shooting
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spoken to Israeli President Isaac Herzog following the Bondi terror attack and the governor-general is set to issue a formal invitation for the leader to visit Australia.
The leaders spoke by phone on Tuesday, nine days after the Bondi Beach shooting targeted the Hanukkah festival, killing 15 innocent people and one of two alleged attackers.
Both leaders expressed their shock at the attack and expressed their condolences to the families of the victims.
Albanese informed Herzog that Governor-General Sam Mostyn would issue an invitation, in accordance with protocol, for the Israeli president to visit Australia as soon as possible. Herzog confirmed that he would accept the invitation. A similar invitation came from the president of the Australian Zionist Federation.
It is understood that Herzog touched upon the importance of taking all legal measures to combat antisemitism, extremism and terrorism in Australia.
Speaking from Jerusalem a week after the attack, Herzog told Australian Jews: “The people of Israel are with you. Despite the thousands of kilometers between us, we feel your pain, we see your courage under fire, we share your sense of abandonment, shock and horror.”
“We heard that you were heartbroken here in Jerusalem, and we felt our own hearts filled with pain. We offer our sincerest condolences to all those who suffered the loss of their loved ones, and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.”
Shortly after the December 14 attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the attacks on Albanese and the Labor Party’s response to antisemitism since October 7, 2023, and the recognition of the Palestinian state earlier this year.
Netanyahu said at the time: “Your government has done nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia. You have done nothing to stop the cancer cells growing in your country. You have taken no action. You have allowed the disease to spread, and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews that we see today.”
Australian Zionist Federation President Jeremy Leibler said he was grateful for the government’s invitation and said it showed that “Jewish citizens of Australia and Australian states stand with Israel against terrorism and hatred.”
“President Herzog’s presence will bring solace to those who are suffering and reassurance to a community living in fear. It will also honor the victims and the courage shown that day,” Leibler said in a statement.
In response to the attack, the federal government is preparing legislation that would strengthen hate speech laws and reform the country’s gun ownership system. Labor has rejected calls from the opposition and members of the Jewish community for a federal royal commission into attacks and antisemitism in Australia but will review the work of police and intelligence agencies.
Bondi Beach incident helplines:
- Bondi Beach Victim Services 1800 411 822
- Bondi Beach Public Information and Research Center 1800 227 228
- NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511or Lifeline is open 13 11 14
- Child Helpline is open 1800 55 1800 or chat online at: kidshelpline.com.au
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Nick Newling is the federal politics correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via email.
