Israeli President Isaac Herzog wrapped up a high-profile, emotionally charged four-day visit to Australia on Thursday, centered on memorializing the victims of December’s deadly antisemitic attack in Sydney, expressing solidarity with Australian Jewry, and strengthening ties between the two nations.
Herzog arrived in Sydney on February 9, following an invitation from Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and the Jewish community, amid a surge in antisemitism and public anxiety after the Bondi Beach massacre—the worst terrorist attack in Australian history.
Honoring the fallen at Bondi
The president’s first stop was Bondi Beach, the site of the December 14 attack, where 15 people were murdered by Islamist gunmen during a Hanukkah celebration. Herzog met with bereaved families and survivors, laid a wreath, and placed two stones brought from Jerusalem to honor the dead.
“These vile terrorists specifically and deliberately targeted our dear sisters and brothers, Australian Jews,” Herzog said in remarks at the site. “Yet this was also an attack on all Australians… They attacked the values that our democracies treasure.”
He was joined by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh, and Jewish communal leaders, including the heads of the Zionist Federation of Australia and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal, honor those murdered at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Photo by Ma’ayan Toaf/GPO
Memorial event draws thousands
Later that day, Herzog addressed a major memorial in Sydney attended by thousands of mourners, including victims’ families and government officials. In his speech, Herzog connected the Bondi attack to a broader rise in antisemitism, including the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel.
“Somehow, the October 7th massacre emboldened closeted antisemites here in Australia and around the world,” Herzog said. “Your Jewish identities became targets in Australia, just as you watched a massacre unfold in Israel.”
“We came here not simply to tell you we are with you,” he added, “but to show you that we are with you.”
Encouraging pride and resilience
On February 10, Herzog visited Moriah College, a prominent Jewish school in Sydney, where he participated in a Q&A session with students about Jewish identity and the challenges posed by antisemitism.
“In Australia, there has been a huge wave of antisemitism that we haven’t seen before,” he said. “My recommendation is to stand up, look them in the eye. Don’t be afraid… We are proud of our Jewish and Zionist identity.”
On the growing presence of anti-Israel protests, Herzog noted: “The demonstrators who are cursing us and saying the biggest lies against our nation do not want to hear this—but the silent majority of Australians definitely want to move our relations back on track.”
Israel’s President and First Lady are warmly greeted by students at a Jewish school in Sydney on February 10, 2026. Photo by Ma’ayan Toaf/GPO
Bondi memorial with Prime Minister Albanese
Later that evening, Herzog joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a memorial service hosted by Chabad of Bondi. Addressing attendees, Herzog emphasized unity in the face of hate:
“The terrorists sought to instill fear in the Jewish people—we will respond with renewed Jewish pride. They sought to divide people with religious hate—we will respond with solidarity between all people of moral conscience.”
Following the memorial, Herzog dined with Albanese at the Prime Minister’s private residence.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Photo by Ma’ayan Toaf/GPO
Formal diplomacy in Canberra
On February 11, Herzog was formally welcomed to Canberra with a ceremonial reception at Government House by Governor-General Mostyn and Albanese. The two leaders held bilateral meetings focused on security cooperation, counterterrorism, and bilateral ties.
“This is also an opportunity to bring the relations between our nations to a new beginning and a better future,” Herzog said.
Albanese thanked Herzog for his “comfort and solidarity,” particularly in standing with Australian Jews in their grief.
Both leaders discussed regional issues including Gaza, Iran, and peace efforts, with Herzog emphasizing Israel’s role as a bulwark against “jihadi Islamist extremism and the Iranian empire of evil.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog inspects and honor guard at Government House in Canberra, Australia on February 11, 2026. Photo by Ma’ayan Toaf/GPO
Final stop: Melbourne’s resilient community
Herzog concluded his trip on February 12 with a major Jewish community event in Melbourne, where he was joined by Premier Jacinta Allan and other local leaders.
Reflecting on the emotional journey, Herzog said: “We came to offer inspiration—and we depart for Jerusalem inspired and energized. We came to remind you that you are not alone… and we leave understanding, more than ever before, that we have each other.”
Addressing the heavy police presence, Herzog added pointedly: “It’s obscure and odd that we need so many incredible police officers protecting us for the inherent right to gather here as proud Jews… Go protest in front of the Iranian embassy!”
He urged Jews to wear their identity proudly and warned that the struggle against antisemitism was not only a Jewish cause, but a fight for the soul of democratic societies.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog urges Australia’s Jewish community to remain resilient in the face of rising antisemitism, at an event in Melbourne on February 12, 2026. Photo by Ma’ayan Toaf/GPO
Hope, not fear
Throughout the trip, Herzog’s core message remained clear: the State of Israel stands with Jewish communities around the world—and antisemitism must be met with pride, unity, and strength.
“As our trip draws to an end here in Melbourne,” Herzog concluded, “we head back home reminded that for Jews, hope is not wishful thinking. It is a promise.”
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