‘Beauty and resilience’: Herzog praises Jewish Aussies
William Ton, Nick Wilson and Allanah Sciberras |
Israel’s president has concluded his trip to Australia feeling “hope in the air”, as he directly addressed protesters who have opposed his visit.
Isaac Herzog’s closely guarded visit to Melbourne on Thursday, where he met with senior politicians and community leaders, marked the final leg of his four-day trip to Australia.
Inside a heavily secured building in the inner-city suburb of Southbank, surrounded by a large police presence and neighbouring blocks locked down, the president addressed more than 500 Jewish and Victorian leaders and senior school students.
Mr Herzog said his visit to Melbourne had ignited a renewed sense of hope.
“I must tell you that we return to Israel feeling empowered because we have seen firsthand the beauty and resilience of this community,” he said.
Mr Herzog said discussions with the Australian leadership to address “vile rhetoric, misinformation and shameful anti-Semitism” were conducted with candour, open-mindedness and a great deal of mutual respect.
The president’s trip has sparked widespread controversy and national protests, including a mass demonstration that turned violent in Sydney on Monday.
My Herzog said the large security detail outside the secret venue on Thursday to protect Jews from harassment and disturbance was “obscure and odd”.
“I say to all those protesters outside, go protest in front of the Iranian embassy or whichever embassy they have,” Mr Herzog said to a cheering crowd, saying the “empire of evil” had killed tens of thousands of their own people.
Mr Herzog had earlier met with Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner and Premier Jacinta Allan at Government House.
Outside, a large contingent of police and security formed as about two dozen protesters turned out to protest his arrival.
Donning black hoods and masks, police costumes and keffiyeh scarves, the group heckled as the Israeli president arrived in a large motorcade.
Police ordered the group back before the protesters unfurled banners which read, “stop committing genocide in Gaza” and “all colonies will fall” and chanted “from the river to the sea”.
Melbourne University’s Parkville campus was spray-painted with graffiti reading “Death to Herzog” on Thursday morning.
Ms Allan said the graffiti was “absolutely contemptible” and the reason for the president’s visit was to comfort the Jewish community after the Bondi terror attack.
“We all want peace to come and causing hurt and grief and indeed violence like we’ve seen … in Sydney, that does not bring peace,” she said.
A university spokesperson said the graffiti was removed soon after staff became aware of it and the university stood firmly against anti-Semitism, racism, hatred and violence.
A demonstration against Mr Herzog’s visit at Flinders Street Station is expected to remain peaceful, according to police who said there was no specific threat to the president.
Police have been given special search powers in Melbourne, with a planned protest in the city’s CBD expected to attract more than 5000 people.
The powers apply to specific areas Mr Herzog will attend while in Melbourne.
He was invited to Australia by the federal government following the Bondi terror attack but has received a hostile reception from protesters and some politicians over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
At least nine people were charged and 27 arrested after protesters were punched and pushed by police when an anti-Herzog rally turned violent in Sydney’s CBD on Monday.
Labor Friends of Palestine Victoria committee member Kate Shuttleworth called for a peaceful protest in Melbourne, urging the increased search powers to be used with caution.
Mr Herzog met with survivors of the Bondi attack in Sydney, before being hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.
The Israeli president has described his four-day trip to Australia as very emotional, saying it was important to visit the community and express condolences.
AAP
