Mass protests erupt in Australia over Israeli president’s visit

Widespread protests erupted across Australia in response to the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel groups staged demonstrations in multiple cities, accusing Herzog of complicity in the deaths of civilians in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Mignews reports.

In Sydney, thousands gathered in the city’s central square, chanting slogans in support of Palestine, while a significant police presence monitored the protests.

In reaction to Herzog’s visit, the Jewish Council of Australia placed advertisements in newspapers in Sydney and Melbourne.

“We refuse to allow our shared grief to be used to legitimize a leader whose rhetoric has contributed to incitement of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and illegal annexation,” said Sarah Schwartz, Executive Officer of the Council.

Despite the demonstrations, the country’s major Jewish community organizations publicly endorsed Herzog’s four-day visit, highlighting divisions within the local community over the trip.

By Vafa Guliyeva