‘Australia with Jews’, PM Albanese spoke to Israeli President, invited to visit Canberra

Bondi Beach Terror Attack: Nine days after the terrorist attack on Bondi Beach, diplomatic dialogue between Australia and Israel has intensified. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke on the phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday and invited him to visit Australia. The Prime Minister clarified that as per formal protocol, this official invitation will be given by the country’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn.

During the phone conversation, both the leaders expressed deep sorrow over the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and expressed condolences to the victims and their families. Prime Minister Albanese told President Herzog that the Australian Government is taking this incident very seriously and all necessary steps will be taken under the law.

Australia invites Israeli President

Israeli President Isaac Herzog confirmed his acceptance of the invitation, saying he was ready for an official visit to Australia. Earlier, Herzog had also been invited by the head of the Jewish Federation of Australia to visit the country.

According to the report of Australia’s leading newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald, during the conversation, President Herzog stressed the need to take strict and legal measures to deal with anti-Semitic incidents, extremism and terrorism in Australia. He said such attacks hurt not just a community, but the entire democratic society.

we feel your pain

In an emotional message from Jerusalem a week after the attack, President Herzog expressed solidarity with the Jewish community living in Australia. He had said that the people of Israel are standing with you. Even though there are thousands of miles between us, we feel your pain and salute your courage. He further said that even while in Jerusalem, he felt the pain of the broken hearts of Australian Jews and expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

Questions on Australia’s policies

It is noteworthy that immediately after the attack on December 14, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had raised questions on Australia’s policies regarding this incident and linked it to recognition of Palestine.

Meanwhile, Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler has welcomed the government’s move. He said the invitation to President Herzog signals that Australia stands firmly with its Jewish citizens and remains in solidarity with Israel against terrorism and hatred.

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Leibler expressed hope that President Herzog’s presence will provide solace to the families of the victims and provide reassurance to the community living in fear. He said that this visit will not only pay respect to the victims but will also memorialize the collective courage shown that day.