Groups Protesting Israeli Presidents Visit to Australia Plan Demonstrations

Australian President Isaac Herzog to Visit Sydney, Protests Planned

Sydney will host Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday as part of a scheduled visit to commemorate the victims of the December 2022 Bondi Beach attack. The attack resulted in the deaths of 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration, marking Australia’s worst mass shooting in decades.

Herzog is set to honour the victims during his visit, which has been restricted by authorities due to ongoing protests. The state government has invoked legislation allowing police to restrict public protests for up to three months in certain areas of central Sydney.

Despite these restrictions, several rallies are planned across Australia on Monday, including a protest at Sydney’s Town Hall. Organisers plan to walk from the town hall to Macquarie Street, despite being within the restricted zone. Similar events are also scheduled in Perth, Melbourne, and Canberra.

Pro-Palestinian groups have expressed opposition to Herzog’s visit, citing his role as head of state for a government accused of genocide in Gaza and occupation of Palestinian territories. Human rights organisations Amnesty International and the Palestine Action Group have called on protesters to take to the streets on Monday, highlighting Herzog’s involvement in Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.

The Australian Federal Police have stated that Herzog enjoys “full immunity” from civil and criminal matters, including genocide. However, some activists, including human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti, have called for Herzog’s arrest. The visit has sparked controversy, with the progressive Jewish Council of Australia opposing Herzog’s attendance due to concerns about legitimising his government.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged protesters to respect the solemn nature of Herzog’s trip, focusing on uniting the nation in grief and support for the Jewish community affected by the Bondi Beach attack.

Source: Al Jazeera