Herzog: ‘I feel that hope is in the air’
In his final address last Thursday, Herzog said he was returning to Israel with hope.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog finished his visit to Australia after addressing the Melbourne Jewish community last Thursday, amid extensive security.
During their four-day visit to Australia, the packed itinerary of Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog included a ceremony at the Bondi Pavilion where the Herzogs laid Jerusalem stones to honour the 15 victims of the Bondi massacre, conversations with Bondi survivors and first responders, a visit to Moriah College, meetings with political leaders, and community gatherings in Sydney and Melbourne.
In his final address last Thursday, Herzog said he was returning to Israel with hope.
“Being here today in Melbourne, surrounded by Jewish school children, by dear friends and allies, in the presence of the Premier of Victoria – I feel that hope in the air,” Herzog stated.
“Michal and I came to Australia on a journey of solidarity, following the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. We return to Israel feeling empowered, because we have seen firsthand the beauty and resilience of this community and its significance in the eyes of all Australians of goodwill. We rediscovered the famous spirit of Australian Jews, which is simply unbreakable!”
Discussing his diplomatic meetings Herzog remarked, “This week I held meetings with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, governors and premiers, and many opinion shapers. I can tell you that all discussions with the Australian leadership were conducted with candour, open-mindedness, and a great deal of mutual respect. I found serious partners who are willing to hold serious conversations and address the vile rhetoric, the misinformation, and the shameful antisemitism head-on.”
It was reported that in their meeting, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pressed Herzog for criminal charges to be filed over the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in a 2024 IDF airstrike in Gaza.
During Herzog’s visit, protests were held across the nation accusing him of supporting genocide, despite no evidence of one taking place.
In Melbourne, Herzog had a message for the protesters: “I say to all those protesters outside, go protest in front of the Iranian embassy or whichever embassy they have. For heaven’s sake, they killed and butchered around fifty thousand, tens of thousands of their own people, operating a whole machine of an empire of evil against us.”
His key message was for the Australian Jewish community.
“I urge all Jews in this marvellous country and all Jews around the world to keep your Jewish hearts on your sleeves and wear your Zionism with pride.
“Spending this time with you, sisters and brothers of Australia, has been a privilege. As our trip draws to an end here in Melbourne, and we head back home, I am reminded that for Jews, hope is not wishful thinking. It is a promise.”
Reflecting on Herzog’s visit, Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler commented, “The visit brought real comfort to the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack and to a Jewish community still absorbing not only that atrocity, but more than two years of sustained anxiety and isolation.
“Thousands of Jewish Australians had the opportunity to engage directly with the President and First Lady, to feel seen, supported and connected. It was a reaffirmation of Jewish peoplehood in practice.”
Discussing its national significance Leibler remarked, “Seeing Australian and Israeli flags fly side by side in Canberra, hearing Hatikvah at Government House, and witnessing substantive and respectful discussions across both sides of politics underscored the depth of the Australia–Israel relationship.
“That relationship is grounded in shared democratic values, longstanding cooperation and the capacity to engage seriously even where differences exist. The visit reinforced that engagement remains the foundation of the partnership.”