Michal Herzog on antisemitism, education and sexual violence as a weapon of war

Michal Herzog is no stranger to noisy demonstrations. Disagreement is ingrained in the Israeli national character. She also knew beforehand that when her husband, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, agreed to fly here to offer comfort and solidarity to Australia’s Jewish community, that the communal welcome would be accompanied by a very different reception on the streets.

But before she responds to the ugly confrontations in Sydney on Monday night, Herzog wants to focus on the reason for their visit, she tells The Jewish Independent in a sit-down interview the day after the protests.

“We're here to show the Jewish community of Australia that you're not alone. I know it has been a shock. Today we met the families, we met survivors, we met first responders. We hear that the Jewish community is not going to be the same, and Australia is not going to be the same. So, it was important to come here in person and show, with our actions, that the community is not alone.”

Herzog is still affected by her own experiences during the previous 24 hours, having laid a wreath at Bondi Beach and visited Moriah College before attending a rousing Jewish community event at the International Convention Centre.

“The event we attended on Monday night was amazing. It was a strong show of solidarity, of compassion, of humanity. And it was very moving. It was one of those evenings you walk out with a ‘wow effect’.”