Israel’s President Isaac Herzog arrived in Sydney on Monday for a four-day visit. He met survivors and families affected by the antisemitic Bondi terror attack. At Bondi Beach, he laid a wreath with NSW Premier Chris Minns and placed two stones from Jerusalem at a memorial. Herzog said placing stones symbolizes “the endurance of memory, the weight of loss and the unbreakable bond between the living and those we have lost.” He added, “These stones … will remain here at Bondi for eternity in sacred memory of the victims and as a reminder that the bonds between good people of all faiths and all nations will continue to hold strong in the face of terror, violence and hatred.” The President paid tribute to the 15 innocent victims killed during Hanukah celebrations, including 10-year-old Mathilda and 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman. Herzog said, “When one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain.” He called the rise of antisemitism a “global emergency” and welcomed Australia’s government efforts after the attack. Herzog’s visit includes meetings with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Governor General Sam Mostyn, and community leaders across political lines. Albanese invited Herzog to foster unity after the attack. But the visit sparked protests from some Australian Jewish groups opposing Herzog, citing political reasons. Over 600 Jewish members signed ads opposing his visit, saying it betrayed support for Palestinian rights. NSW Premier Chris Minns urged calm amid protests and a police operation with 500 officers in Sydney. He stressed the importance of peaceful disagreement for city and country unity. Herzog told reporters, “I’ve come here in good will” and criticized protests that delegitimize Israel’s right to exist.