Herzog Urges Australian Jews to Stand Proud Amid Protests

As anti-Israel demonstrations surged through the streets of Sydney, President Isaac Herzog delivered a powerful message to Australia’s Jewish community “Don’t be afraid. Stand proud. Be Jewish and Zionist.”

His words, spoken during a deeply emotional visit to Jewish institutions across Sydney, came just weeks after the horrific December 14 terror attack that claimed the lives of 15 people several of them members of the Chabad of Bondi community. That very synagogue was the site of Herzog’s evening address, where grief mingled with determination, and where seats were deliberately left empty to honor the victims.

Alongside Herzog stood Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who solemnly read the names of the deceased but chose not to speak possibly a nod to the political sensitivities stirred by Herzog’s visit. Yet in Parliament, Albanese firmly defended the Israeli leader’s presence, urging Australians to “turn the temperature down” and recognize that “a community is hurting… and asking for some understanding.”

Earlier that day, Herzog visited Moriah College, where he was greeted by hundreds of children waving Israeli flags and singing Am Yisrael Chai. In a moment both tender and defiant, Herzog addressed students directly, encouraging them to walk tall and remain proud of their identity in the face of mounting hostility. “They sought to instill fear in the Jewish people,” he said, referencing the recent attacks. “We will respond with renewed Jewish pride.”

The President also used the occasion to reflect on how Australia’s relationship with Israel has changed. Recalling his 2008 visit when bipartisan support for Israel was a given, Herzog acknowledged the shift in tone and rising influence of anti-Israel voices. “Clearly something has happened in the last generation,” he said. “But I believe there is a silent majority of Australians who still want to hear us, still want to move the ties back to what they once were.”

This trip is not just ceremonial it’s strategic. Herzog made clear that one of his goals is to reset Israeli-Australian relations, improve them, and counter the wave of global antisemitism now reaching even historically safe countries like Australia.

At both events, Herzog stressed the importance of refusing fear and embracing Jewish pride, even in difficult times. His message to the younger generation was consistent “Stand up, look them in the eye, don’t be afraid.”

In an unexpected but hopeful moment, Herzog responded to a question from a Lebanese Christian teacher about the possibility of peace between Israel and Lebanon. “Absolutely, yes,” he said. “I know that the majority of Lebanese would love to live in peace with us.”

In every speech and gesture, Herzog’s presence in Australia was not just one of comfort it was one of unwavering strength, calling on Jews everywhere to be unapologetic in their identity and united in their future.

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