Two worlds, one stark contrast
As President Herzog comforted the Jewish community, hate-fuelled protests erupted just blocks away.
On Monday night, only a few Sydney city blocks separated two different worlds.
Inside the ICC Sydney Theatre, Israeli President Isaac Herzog warmly addressed what felt like, for those in the room, an extended family.
For those present, the sense of unity and camaraderie was palpable. The distance between Jewish Australians and our Israeli brothers and sisters was erased. After supporting them and grieving with them after October 7, Israel had recognised our grief and was supporting us.
With humility and empathy, the President explained why it was important to have come to do so in person. He spoke of accepting differences and of a yearning for peace.
It was a very different scene outside Sydney Town Hall, and at other anti-Israel protests around Australia, including in Melbourne.
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