During a solemn ceremony at Bondi Beach, Israeli President Isaac Herzog laid a wreath and addressed the community to honor the victims of a tragic shooting that killed 15 individuals at a Jewish festival in December. Amidst rain and grey skies, Herzog expressed his solidarity with the Jewish community and emphasized the importance of unity among people of all faiths, stating that together they would overcome the challenges posed by terror and hatred.

Herzog's visit is part of a four-day trip designed to console Australia's Jewish population following the attack, which he described as the deadliest targeting Jews since the recent escalation in violence initiated by Hamas on October 7, 2023. He symbolically placed two stones from Jerusalem at the beach, signifying sacred memory and connection to the victims, while reinforcing the bonds that unite good people worldwide in the face of adversity.

In his remarks, Herzog welcomed the Australian government's efforts to combat antisemitism, highlighting the introduction of stricter gun control and hate crime laws since the incident. This response signifies a growing awareness and proactive stance against hate crimes in Australia, reflecting a commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and fostering interfaith solidarity in confronting the challenges of violence and extremism today.