URGENT UPDATE: The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) has called for the Albanese government to withdraw its invitation to Israeli President Isaac Herzog for his scheduled visit to Australia early next year. This demand comes amid concerns about interfaith unity following the December 14 terror attack at Bondi Beach that tragically killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration.
Herzog is set to visit Australia in 2026 to honor the victims of this horrific attack and meet with the affected Jewish community. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had formally requested Governor-General Sam Mostyn to extend the invitation, emphasizing the importance of solidarity during this difficult time.
However, ANIC’s recent statement condemned Herzog, claiming he is “implicated in widespread war crimes and breaches of international law.” They argue that welcoming him would undermine the legitimacy of Australia as a nation committed to justice. The statement outlined serious accusations, including “mass killing of civilians” and the “destruction of Gaza,” urging that such a figure should not be honored in Australia.
In stark contrast, Rabbi Nochum Schapiro, president of the Rabbinical Association of Australasia, expressed his disappointment over ANIC’s position. “Isaac Herzog is not even a political person now. He is the figurative head of the Jewish faith,” Schapiro noted, stressing the need for unity rather than division.
The president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, David Ossip, echoed similar sentiments, labeling ANIC’s opposition a “call for division” at a time when unity is crucial for Australians. “It’s so disappointing to hear calls for division just as Australians want this to be a time for unity,” he emphasized.
This demand marks a significant shift from ANIC’s earlier response to the Bondi massacre, where they expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and condemned antisemitism as an attack on all communities, including Muslims. ANIC president Sheik Shady Alsuleiman, who had appeared alongside Albanese at an interfaith memorial service, had previously emphasized the shared responsibility to uphold respect and dignity for all.
As the situation develops, the implications of this public opposition may strain relationships between communities. The call for Herzog’s withdrawal could hinder the opportunity for collective mourning and solidarity following the attack.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Albanese government now faces mounting pressure to address the conflicting views within the community as they prepare for Herzog’s visit. With calls for unity growing louder, the next steps taken by both government officials and community leaders will be critical in shaping the ongoing dialogue around this sensitive issue.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
