President Herzog lands in Australia for first visit since Hanukkah Bondi Beach massacre
Herzog was invited to tour the country after the tragedy by the Governor-General, the Australian Prime Minister and the Jewish community following the December 2025 attack.
President Isaac Herzog landed in Australia on Sunday with his wife for his first visit to the country since the Hanukkah massacre at Bondi Beach, where 15 people were killed.
Herzog was invited to tour the country after the tragedy by the Governor-General, the Australian Prime Minister and the Jewish community following the December 2025 attack.
According to a program released by his office, Herzog will “visit Jewish communities across Australia to express solidarity and offer strength to the community in the wake of the attack.”
He also 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 his visit,” his office said in a statement.
A mourner lights candles as people gather around floral tributes outside the Bondi Pavilion in Sydney on December 17, 2025, to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting which targeted a Hanukkah celebration. (credit: DAVID GRAY / AFP via Getty Images)
An unusual spectacle in Australia
Australians lined the streets and stood outside their homes as Herzog’s motorcade passed through Sydney, some taking photos as the first signs of protest appeared.
Herzog, who travels to the scene of the Bondi Beach massacre, is escorted by his security staff and Australian police.
“We hope we won’t have to use any powers because we are in very close contact with the organizers of the protest,” NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna told Nine News on Monday.
“Overall, it’s the whole community that we want to keep safe…we’ll be there in significant numbers just to make sure the community is safe.”
Around 3,000 police officers will be deployed to Sydney, Australia’s largest city.
Teen accused of death threats against Herzog before visit
On Thursday, an Australian teenager was charged with making online death threats against Herzog ahead of his visit.
According to the Australian police report, the 19-year-old man made threats on a social media platform last month “against a foreign head of state and an internationally protected person.”
The offense could carry a maximum of 10 years in prison, while police refused him bail ahead of his court appearance.
Reuters contributed to this report.
