Commemorating the Tragedy at Bondi Beach

On Monday, February 9, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the tragic Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, where 15 people lost their lives during a Jewish festival on December 14, 2025. Under somber skies and tight security, Herzog laid a wreath at the site, emphasizing the need for solidarity among people of all religions to confront and defeat hatred and violence.

Speaking outside the Bondi Pavilion, Herzog affirmed, “The unity of good-hearted individuals across all faiths and nations will endure despite terror and hatred. Together, we will triumph over this darkness.”

Symbolic Gestures and Governmental Praise

As a sacred homage, Herzog placed two stones from Jerusalem at the memorial site, symbolizing a spiritual connection to the victims. He also lauded the Australian government’s proactive measures following the attack, including enhanced gun control legislation and tougher laws targeting hate crimes, which reflect a commitment to safeguarding communities against antisemitism.

Contextualizing the Attack Amid Rising Global Antisemitism

Herzog highlighted that the Bondi Beach shooting stands as the deadliest assault on Jewish people since the Hamas offensive against Israel on October 7, 2023. He expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in antisemitic incidents worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for international cooperation to combat this growing threat.

The victims included an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, a courageous couple who confronted one of the assailants, and a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, remembered by mourners as a “beacon of light.”

Details of the Incident and Legal Proceedings

The suspected shooter, Sajid Akram, aged 50, was fatally shot by police during the attack. His son, Naveed Akram, a 24-year-old Australian citizen, faces charges of terrorism and 15 counts of murder and remains in custody as investigations continue.

Community Reactions and Political Controversies

Herzog’s visit has been met with mixed responses within Australia. Many in the Jewish community, including Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, welcomed the president’s presence as a source of comfort during a period of mourning.

Conversely, the Progressive Jewish Council of Australia opposed Herzog’s visit, citing concerns related to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. This tension is further complicated by a United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry report suggesting potential legal accountability for Herzog based on his statements after the October 7 attack. Israel has vehemently rejected these claims, labeling the inquiry as biased and calling for its disbandment.

Government Support and Public Demonstrations

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged citizens to respect the visit’s intent, announcing plans to accompany Herzog in meeting the families affected by the Bondi Beach tragedy. Despite stringent security protocols and the event’s classification as a major security operation by New South Wales authorities, protests erupted nationwide.

In Sydney, demonstrators demanded investigations into Herzog over alleged war crimes, while rallies in Melbourne called for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, reflecting the complex and polarized sentiments surrounding the visit.