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.
There was no empathy. There was no acceptance of differences. There were no calls for peace.
There was hate. There were yet more calls to “globalise the intifada” – that same intifada that killed 15 people at Bondi Beach – including shamefully, by a former Australian of the Year.
There were calls yet again for the annihilation of Israel and the echoing of blood libels straight from the Hamas propaganda playbook. And there was violence as the mob disobeyed and clashed with police.
Two different worlds.
As President Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog consoled the Jewish community in the wake of the Bondi Beach Chanukah massacre in one location, Australia sadly witnessed more of the type of behaviour that fed the flames that led to it at another.
As event attendees thanked police for their protection at the ICC Sydney Theatre, rioters disrespected and clashed with police at Town Hall.
The irony is not lost that many who publicly opposed Herzog’s visit did so on the basis it would adversely affect cohesion, yet it was their reaction that did that.
All the things that embody cohesion – peace, empathy, acceptance and celebration of differences – are characteristics displayed by Herzog himself.
So thank you, Mr President.
Your visit was the right thing at the right time, despite the lies of the baying mobs. You said you came to give us a hug and you did. You conducted yourself with dignity and grace, and your visit will have a lasting, positive impact.