Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Visit Australia Following Bondi Beach Shooting
Herzog to meet families of victims, Jewish community leaders and senior officials after December attack that killed 15
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to visit Australia in early February at the invitation of the Australian government and Jewish community organisations following the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on 14 December 2025.
The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration and resulted in fifteen civilian deaths and numerous injuries, has prompted national mourning and international responses.
The visit is set to begin on 8 February and will include meetings with families of victims, members of the Australian Jewish community and senior Australian officials.
Herzog will be accompanied by senior representatives of international Jewish agencies.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended the invitation, with the Governor-General to issue a formal state invitation in accordance with diplomatic protocol.
Australian authorities expressed shock and sorrow in response to the attack, and the visit aims to reaffirm support for those affected.
Herzog held a telephone conversation with Albanese in the aftermath of the shooting, during which Albanese expressed profound shock and dismay over the incident and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
In statements following the call, Herzog described the attack as a catastrophic act of terror against the Jewish community and conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed and injured.
He also emphasised the importance of confronting antisemitism, extremism and terrorism through legal and governmental measures.
The planned visit follows a national day of mourning in Australia on 22 January, during which citizens observed memorial events for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack.
Flags flew at half-mast and nationwide activities, including moments of silence and candle lighting, were held to honour those killed.
Public safety operations, including enhanced police presence and counterterrorism measures, have continued across Sydney and other urban centres since the incident.
The Bondi Beach shooting has been classified by Australian authorities as an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack targeting a Jewish holiday gathering.
Investigations by law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies are ongoing, and security at Jewish sites and community events has been increased in response to concerns about potential further threats.
The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration and resulted in fifteen civilian deaths and numerous injuries, has prompted national mourning and international responses.
The visit is set to begin on 8 February and will include meetings with families of victims, members of the Australian Jewish community and senior Australian officials.
Herzog will be accompanied by senior representatives of international Jewish agencies.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended the invitation, with the Governor-General to issue a formal state invitation in accordance with diplomatic protocol.
Australian authorities expressed shock and sorrow in response to the attack, and the visit aims to reaffirm support for those affected.
Herzog held a telephone conversation with Albanese in the aftermath of the shooting, during which Albanese expressed profound shock and dismay over the incident and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
In statements following the call, Herzog described the attack as a catastrophic act of terror against the Jewish community and conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed and injured.
He also emphasised the importance of confronting antisemitism, extremism and terrorism through legal and governmental measures.
The planned visit follows a national day of mourning in Australia on 22 January, during which citizens observed memorial events for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack.
Flags flew at half-mast and nationwide activities, including moments of silence and candle lighting, were held to honour those killed.
Public safety operations, including enhanced police presence and counterterrorism measures, have continued across Sydney and other urban centres since the incident.
The Bondi Beach shooting has been classified by Australian authorities as an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack targeting a Jewish holiday gathering.
Investigations by law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies are ongoing, and security at Jewish sites and community events has been increased in response to concerns about potential further threats.
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