President Herzog lands in Australia for first visit since Hanukkah Bondi Beach massacre
Herzog was invited to visit the country after the tragedy by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister of Australia, and the Jewish community following the attack in December 2025.
President Isaac Herzog landed in Australia on Sunday along with his wife for his first visit to the country since the Hanukkah Bondi Beach massacre, where 15 people were killed.
Herzog was invited to visit the country after the tragedy by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister of Australia, and the Jewish community following the attack in December 2025.
According to a schedule released by his office, Herzog will “visit Jewish communities across Australia to express solidarity and offer strength to the community in the aftermath of the attack.”
He also has scheduled meetings with senior Australian leaders, including the Governor-General and the Prime Minister, as well as leaders from across the political spectrum.
“President Herzog will also conduct interviews with the media during the visit,” his office said in a statement.
A mourner lights candles as people gather around floral tributes outside Bondi Pavilion in Sydney on December 17, 2025, to honour victims of the Bondi Beach shooting that targeted a Hanukkah celebration. (credit: DAVID GRAY / AFP via Getty Images)
An unusual sight in Australia
Australians lined the streets and stood outside their homes as Herzog’s motorcade passed through Sydney, some taking pictures as the first signs of protest appeared.
Herzog, who is on his way to the scene of the Bondi Beach massacre, is being escorted by his security personnel and the Australian Police.
“We’re hoping we won’t have to use any powers, because we’ve been liaising very closely with the protest organizers,” New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna told Nine News on Monday.
“Overall, it is all of the community that we want to keep safe … we’ll be there in significant numbers just to make sure that the community is safe.”
About 3,000 police personnel will be deployed across Sydney, Australia’s largest city.
Teenager charged with death threats against Herzog before visit
On Thursday, an Australian teenager was charged with allegedly making online death threats against Herzog ahead of his visit.
According to the Australian Police report, the 19-year-old man made the threats on a social media platform last month “towards a foreign head of state and internationally protected person.”
The offence could carry a maximum of 10 years of prison, while he was refused police bail ahead of his court appearance.
Reuters contributed to this report.
