Thousands protest in Australia against Israeli President Herzogs visit

Thousands of people gathered in Sydney’s business district on Monday to demonstrate against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia. The protest, organized by the Palestine Action Group, was part of a nationwide series of demonstrations planned across cities and towns.

Herzog arrived in Australia to commemorate victims of last year’s Bondi Beach massacre, which killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration. He also met with survivors and the families of those killed, laying a wreath at the memorial site.

The Israeli president stated that the attack was an assault on Australian values such as human life, freedom of religion, and tolerance. Herzog’s visit is scheduled to include stops in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra before returning to Israel on Thursday.

Protesters argue that Herzog’s presence undermines Australia’s commitment to accountability and justice. Amnesty International has stated that Herzog’s actions have led to immense suffering for Palestinians in Gaza over the past two years.

The Australian government had urged respect for the solemn nature of Herzog’s visit, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing it as a gesture of goodwill. However, some critics argue that Herzog should not be immune from protests due to his alleged role in inciting genocide against Palestinians.

A group of protesters, including Jackson Elliott from Sydney, expressed their concerns about Herzog’s visit and the lack of acknowledgement from Australian leaders towards the Palestinian people and Gaza. The Jewish Council of Australia has also released an open letter signed by over 1,000 Jewish Australian academics and community leaders urging Albanese to rescind Herzog’s invitation.

The Palestine Action Group had previously failed in a legal challenge against restrictions placed on the demonstration. Authorities have designated the area where the protest is planned as a special protected area during Herzog’s visit, with police warning that demonstrators risk arrest if they join the march late.

Source: Al Jazeera