Brisbane, Australia — Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to arrive in Australia on Monday, where he will encounter a complex mix of solidarity from government officials and widespread protests driven by activists who label him a war criminal. The delicate atmosphere follows a tragic incident in which 15 lives were lost during a recent Hanukkah festival near Sydney’s Bondi Beach, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to invite Herzog in a show of support for the grieving Jewish community.

In recent weeks, the Australian government has emphasized the importance of social harmony, especially in the wake of a major terror attack that has shaken the nation. However, the decision to host Herzog has sparked significant backlash. Many Australians are outraged over his visit as it coincides with accusations of genocide against Israel linked to its military actions in Gaza. Protests are anticipated in nearly 30 cities across the country to coincide with Herzog’s trip, raising the specter of civil unrest.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged the sensitivities surrounding Herzog’s arrival. “I understand the community’s sentiments regarding the situation in Gaza, but this visit aims to honor the mourning Jewish community,” she stated in an interview. Despite Wong’s appeal for understanding, tensions have escalated with calls for Herzog’s arrest upon arrival.

The largest demonstration is expected to be outside Sydney Town Hall, where organizers anticipate a turnout of up to 5,000 people demanding justice for Palestinians. Josh Lees, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Action Group, insisted that demonstrators are prepared to resist any attempts to disperse the protests, stating, “We will peacefully show that Herzog is not welcome.”

Reactions to Herzog’s visit are decidedly mixed within the Australian Jewish community. Major organizations such as the Executive Council of Australian Jewry have welcomed Herzog, applauding his visit as a gesture of compassion at a time of tragedy. “President Herzog embodies dignity and compassion and is a figure of hope for our community,” remarked co-Chief Executive Alex Ryvchin.

However, not all Jewish groups share this enthusiasm. The Jewish Council of Australia has criticized the government’s invitation as politically motivated, asserting that it risks conflating Jewish identity with the actions of the Israeli government—an association that they argue increases vulnerability for Jews in Australia.

In the backdrop of these developments lies the deepening division within Australia regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Over the past couple of years, a surge in anti-Jewish incidents, tallying more than 3,700 reported cases, has heightened security concerns within the Jewish community. Many feel that Albanese’s actions have not done enough to address rising antisemitism, leading to calls for stronger government intervention.

As Herzog prepares for his visit, he aims to counter what he describes as pervasive misinformation regarding Israel. In a pre-trip interview, he expressed a desire to challenge what he deemed a “brainwash campaign” against Jews and Israelis that has taken root in Australian society.

Meanwhile, the Australian Federal Police confirmed that Herzog is protected by diplomatic immunity, alleviating fears of immediate legal action. An Israeli official reiterated this assurance, emphasizing that there were no active warrants against Herzog or his delegation.

The unfolding events surrounding Herzog’s visit underscore the profound divisions in public sentiment regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza and the broader implications for Australian society. As protests loom and opinions clash, many are worried about the potential for this visit to exacerbate existing tensions.