Isaac Herzog meets survivors of Bondi terror attack, saying 'when one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain'

During his four-day visit to Australia, Israel's President Isaac Herzog met with survivors of the recent Bondi terror attack, sending a poignant message: "When one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain". The poignant encounter was just one part of Herzog's tightly controlled trip, which aimed to foster unity and reconciliation between the Jewish community and Australian society.

Herzog paid tribute to the 15 innocent victims who were brutally killed in the attack, remembering the youngest victim, Matilda, just 10 years old, and 87-year-old Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor who was murdered for his faith. He acknowledged that Australia's Jewish community had stood together with Israel in solidarity, highlighting their shared humanity.

"We are one big family," Herzog said. "When one Jew is hurt, all Jews feel their pain." These words echoed the sentiments of many within the Jewish community, including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), which welcomed Herzog's visit as a moment of profound significance.

However, not everyone shared this sentiment. A group of over 600 members of the Jewish community signed an open letter calling for Herzog's arrest, citing his alleged role in inciting genocide against Israel. Some have also taken to protesting outside official events and demonstrations, highlighting deep divisions within Australian society.

The visit has been marked by controversy, with critics accusing Herzog of failing to acknowledge Israel's culpability in the Holocaust and perpetuating a narrative of victimhood. The Israeli government press office dismissed these claims, saying that Herzog's message was one of unity and solidarity with the Jewish community.

As tensions continue to simmer, it remains to be seen whether Herzog's visit will ultimately foster greater understanding and reconciliation between Israel and Australia, or if it will exacerbate existing divisions. One thing is clear: the pain of the Bondi terror attack has left deep scars on both communities, and it is only through open dialogue and empathy that healing can begin.

Just saw this news and gotta say I'm still trying to process everything . Israel's President Herzog visit was super poignant, no doubt about that . Seeing him meet with survivors of the Bondi terror attack and pay tribute to the victims... it's just so sad . I feel like Australia's Jewish community is really coming together in support of Israel, which is awesome .

But at the same time, some people are still super upset about Herzog's visit and are accusing him of not acknowledging Israel's role in the Holocaust . And honestly, I don't blame them for feeling that way . It's a really sensitive topic, and we gotta approach it with empathy and understanding.

Personally, I think Herzog's message about being one big family when one Jew is hurt feels so genuine . We need more leaders like him who are willing to put themselves out there and talk about these tough issues . Fingers crossed his visit will be a step in the right direction for healing and reconciliation .

My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones in the Bondi terror attack . It's so sad to think about Matilda, just 10 years old, being taken from her family too soon . And Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor, being murdered for his faith is just devastating . I can only imagine how hard it must be for the Jewish community in Australia to feel like they're not being supported when Herzog's visit sparked controversy. It's like everyone is speaking different languages . We need to find a way to come together and support each other, rather than tearing each other apart .

I'm not sure I agree with Herzog's message, tbh . While his words about unity and solidarity are great, shouldn't he be acknowledging Israel's role in the Holocaust too? Like, a bit more transparency wouldn't hurt, right? It seems like some people in Australia are expecting more from him than just "we're one big family". And I don't get why some people want to arrest him - that's not exactly constructive . Can't we just have an open conversation about the issues without resorting to, like, protests and stuff?

honestly, what a mess. I mean, I get it, Herzog's gotta show some love to the Aussie Jewish community, but come on, 600 people signing an open letter wanting his arrest? that's like me freaking out because my fave gaming streamer changed their skin .

anywayz, i think the real problem here is that Israel's reputation is already super murky, and now Herzog's just perpetuating this "victimhood" narrative . like, I get it, the Holocaust was a terrible thing, but come on, don't make us feel bad for you guys too .

i'm all for unity and solidarity, but can we please have a more nuanced conversation about these issues? not just some token gesture that's gonna alienate half the community .

I'm low-key shook by this whole situation... Israel's president showing up to Sydney and getting slammed for not owning up to some heavy history stuff Like, yeah, Israel has some major issues with its past, but come on, Herzog was trying to send a message of unity and solidarity Not sure if it's gonna work, though - I've been following this controversy all week, and honestly, the Jewish community in Australia is really divided From people who are totally down with Herzog's vibe to those who are like, super angry about his alleged 'genocide' claims Either way, I think we need to keep having these hard conversations, even if it gets messy

Wow , this situation is just soooo complex... I mean, you've got the President trying to unite people with a really powerful message about community & solidarity, but then there's these 600+ ppl in the Jewish community calling for his arrest , and it's like, how can that be? And don't even get me started on the controversy around Israel's role in the Holocaust... Interesting , we need to keep having these conversations to try & understand each other better .

omg u wont believe wat's been goin on in australia rn ! so israel's prez izak herzog just went there for a visit & met w/ survivors of the bondi terror attack & it's all very sad n emotional but also kinda awkward cuz some ppl r still tryna stir up drama . i think its pretty deep that he was able to connect w/ the jewish community tho , like really gettin' it n understandin' their pain . but at the same time, u got these other ppl who are super upset cuz they feel he's not takin' responsibility 4 israel's actions in the holocaust . anywayz, i think its pretty clear dat izak's visit has brought up some serious issues n divisions , but hopefully ppl can just talk thru it & find a way 2 move forward

The whole situation is so complicated. I feel like Herzog's words were genuine, you know? He really did connect with those survivors and acknowledged the pain of the Jewish community. But at the same time, I get why some people are upset about him visiting Australia and not talking more about Israel's role in the Holocaust. It's a super sensitive topic that needs to be addressed. The fact that some people are protesting and signing open letters is understandable too, but it's also important to hear Herzog out and have an open conversation about these issues.

It's like, Australia and Israel do have a special bond, but that doesn't mean they can just ignore the complexities of their relationship with each other. And honestly, I think this whole situation is a great opportunity for both countries to come together and talk things through. It's not going to be easy, but it's worth trying, you know?

I'm feeling kinda down about this whole visit Israel's President Herzog seems like a really nice guy, but all these controversies surrounding his trip are giving me anxiety I mean, who expects to see a leader of the free world getting roasted on social media? It's like he's walking around with a target on his back. And the fact that some people are calling for his arrest is just... wow Like, isn't that a bit dramatic? I get where they're coming from, but surely there's room for nuance here? Maybe it's time for Herzog to take a seat and have a calm conversation with the Aussie Jewish community instead of trying to dictate what he thinks about Israel's past

what's going on with this Aussie Jewish community? I mean, one minute they're praising Herzog for his message, and the next they're saying he should be arrested for inciting genocide? Like, come on, can't you just talk to each other without all this drama? And another thing, if Israel's culpability in the Holocaust is really that big of a deal, why didn't Herzog address it during his visit? It feels like he was trying to avoid the whole situation.

OMG, I'm getting so much chills from that visit by Pres Herzog!!! He's speaking straight from his heart & showing us what true unity looks like I'm loving how he's acknowledging the pain of the victims & their families & reminding everyone we're all in this together It's def not perfect, but it's a start and I think with time, love & respect, we can work through our differences & come out even stronger on the other side