'Israeli' president's visit to Australia ends amid huge protests
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- Herzog’s trip was organized after the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack.
- The visit sparked major protests for the war against Gaza.
‘Israeli’ President Isaac Herzog’s four day visit to Australia ended on Feb. 12, amid sustained pro-Palestinian demonstrations in major cities.
The visit aimed to express solidarity with the Jewish community after a deadly antisemitic attack but drew widespread criticism over ‘Israel’s’ crimes in Gaza.
Large rally in Melbourne
On his final day in Melbourne, thousands gathered in the central business district outside Flinders Street Station around 5 PM local time.
Protesters were wearing keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags marched through the Central business district, police anticipated up to 5,000 participants.
The demonstration followed similar protests in Canberra and Sydney.
Death to Herzog graffiti
Earlier that day, graffiti reading variations of “Death to Herzog + Israel” appeared on a wall at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus.
University authorities promptly removed it and referred the matter to police, condemning the act as offensive with no confirmed link to the protests.
Herzog Condemns Antisemitism
In an interview at a Jewish community event in southern Melbourne, Herzog described antisemitism in Australia as “frightening” and “worrying.” He dismissed accusations of genocide as a “lie” and urged protesters to demonstrate at the Iranian embassy instead.
However, several international bodies have issued major findings on ‘Israel’s’ actions. The International Court of Justice ruled in January 2024 that the risk of genocide is plausible, with a final decision pending.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes. Amnesty International, a UN-appointed commission, and the International Association of Genocide Scholars have since concluded that genocidal acts and intent are present.
