New Israel Fund Australia Statement in Advance of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s Arrival in Australia

2/2/2026 – Melbourne

In advance of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s arrival in Australia, New Israel Fund (NIF) Australia released the following statement:

President Herzog’s visit comes at a moment of profound grief and anxiety for Jewish communities here and around the world. The recent terror attack in Bondi has deeply shaken our community, intensifying fears amid a global rise in antisemitism, racism and extremism.

At the same time, this visit takes place against the backdrop of immense loss of life in Gaza, escalating violence in the West Bank, and the continued erosion of democratic norms and institutions in Israel.

“Australian Jews are not of one mind”, said NIF Australia executive director Kate Rosenberg. “Many feel a deep connection to Israel, while also being deeply troubled by the actions and rhetoric of the current Israeli leadership. This includes statements made after October 7 that appear to ascribe collective responsibility to Palestinian civilians for the actions of Hamas terrorists. These statements are horrific and should be widely condemned. 

As this visit takes place, we hope it will include meaningful engagement with the full diversity of the Australian Jewish community, including those calling for accountability, restraint and a political horizon grounded in equal rights, security and freedom for all Jews, Israelis and Palestinians. We believe engagement, rather than exclusion, is essential at moments of deep division.“

About Us

New Israel Fund (NIF) Australia

NIF Australia was formed in 2011 when Naomi Chazan, then-president of NIF Israel and the former deputy speaker of the Knesset, visited Australia. In the more than ten years since its formation, NIF Australia has raised over $5 million, distributing grants to important civil society organisations in Israel, and facilitating new conversations about Israel inside the Australian Jewish community. Our community promotes freedom, equality and social justice by funding Israeli nonprofits and fostering new discussions in the Australian Jewish community.