Ireland – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com israelhayom english website Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:11:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.israelhayom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-G_rTskDu_400x400-32x32.jpg Ireland – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com 32 32 Irish band banned from popular music festival over Hamas praise https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/24/irish-band-banned-from-popular-music-festival-over-hamas-praise/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/24/irish-band-banned-from-popular-music-festival-over-hamas-praise/#respond Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:00:33 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1075881 The troubles continue mounting for Irish hip-hop band Kneecap members as Hungarian authorities have prohibited their entry into the country before their scheduled Sziget Festival appearance, with state officials declaring their presence represents a national security risk. An Associated Press report indicated the group was set to perform on the festival's final day, August 11. […]

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The troubles continue mounting for Irish hip-hop band Kneecap members as Hungarian authorities have prohibited their entry into the country before their scheduled Sziget Festival appearance, with state officials declaring their presence represents a national security risk.

An Associated Press report indicated the group was set to perform on the festival's final day, August 11. During their career, the band has drawn criticism for incorporating political statements in their lyrics that many interpret as celebrating terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah.

DJ Provai from Irish Hip Hop trio Kneecap performs onstage during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 11, 2025, in Indio, California (Photo: Valerie Macon/AFP)

This past April, the band's Coachella festival appearance generated significant controversy. Large, illuminated screen messages proclaimed "F*** Israel, Free Palestine" and "Israel is committing genocide." The inflammatory declarations prompted calls to revoke their American citizenship and led to the cancellation of subsequent performances.

Hungary's immigration service, the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, issued official orders on Thursday stating band members face a three-year ban from Hungarian territory because "their entry and presence would constitute a serious threat to national security."

Government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs posted on X that the entry prohibition decision resulted from "antisemitic hate speech and explicit praise for Hamas and Hezbollah."

Hungarian officials and various organizations had previously lobbied Sziget Festival organizers to remove the band from the lineup. European Affairs Minister Janos Boka stressed the government's "zero tolerance" antisemitism stance in a July 11 letter to the hosting nation. Simultaneously, hundreds of Hungarian music and cultural industry professionals signed a petition demanding the performance cancellation.

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Did Conor McGregor send nude photos to rapper? https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/15/did-conor-mcgregor-send-nude-photos-to-rapper/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/15/did-conor-mcgregor-send-nude-photos-to-rapper/#respond Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:19:52 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1072981 A music artist has accused mixed martial arts competitor Conor McGregor of transmitting explicit photographs to her through digital communication, according to Yahoo News. The 34-year-old performer Azealia Banks disclosed these claims on X, accompanied by purported evidence of their online interaction. The mixed martial artist and professional boxer has recently spoken out against pro-Palestinian […]

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A music artist has accused mixed martial arts competitor Conor McGregor of transmitting explicit photographs to her through digital communication, according to Yahoo News. The 34-year-old performer Azealia Banks disclosed these claims on X, accompanied by purported evidence of their online interaction.

The mixed martial artist and professional boxer has recently spoken out against pro-Palestinian demonstrators in his home country of Ireland, who waved flags of the terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah in the streets of Dublin. Some have speculated this has ended his chances of becoming president of his native country when it holds elections in November.

Banks, recognized for her provocative social media presence, published statements on the platform previously called Twitter regarding the alleged incident. The musician wrote extensive commentary about the situation, questioning McGregor's conduct while referencing his potential political interests in Ireland.

The allegations surfaced through multiple posts where Banks displayed screenshots she claimed originated from McGregor's account, according to Yahoo News. She indicated that the UFC fighter had attempted to remove evidence of their conversation after initially sending the materials.

"How you gonna send a b**** a some crooked pics then threaten her not to tell," Banks wrote in her social media statement, according to the outlet. She directly addressed McGregor's official account, asking "@TheNotoriousMMA do you know who I am?"

The performer expanded her commentary by referencing McGregor's rumored political aspirations, according to Yahoo News. "Honey...... ain't u trying to be the president of Ireland what is it giving fam?" she posted on the platform.

Banks shared additional screenshots where she claimed McGregor had awakened early to delete photographs from their conversation thread. She alleged that McGregor had stated "Don't be a rat cos all rats get caught" in their exchange.

Azealia Banks performs on stage at Hoxton Bar on November 6, 2011 in London, United Kingdom (Robin Little/Redferns)

The musician concluded one segment of her posts with "Conor McGregor 4 President," according to Yahoo News. Representatives for McGregor have been contacted through DublinLive for official comment regarding these allegations.

These accusations coincided with McGregor's 37th birthday celebration, which featured public tributes from his longtime partner Dee Devlin, according to Yahoo said. The timing of Banks' statements aligned with what should have been a celebratory occasion for the UFC lightweight champion.

The controversy follows previous incidents involving McGregor and allegations of inappropriate behavior with individuals other than his fiancée, according to Yahoo. Recent photographs allegedly showed the fighter engaging in intimate contact with an unidentified woman during a Florida beach visit.

Those earlier images reportedly depicted McGregor placing his hand on the woman's thigh, positioning his arm around her shoulder, and appearing to kiss her lips. Devlin has not publicly addressed these photographs but did acknowledge her partner's birthday celebration.

"Happy Birthday to the person who always keeps Dee entertained and makes her smile," Devlin wrote in her birthday message, according to Yahoo. Her post included a collection of photographs showing the couple during positive moments throughout their relationship.

McGregor and Devlin have maintained their relationship for 16 years and became engaged in 2020, according to Yahoo. The couple shares four children together: sons Conor Jr, eight, Rian, four, Mack, one, and daughter Croia, six.

Banks has previously disclosed diagnoses of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to Yahoo. She has faced criticism for statements characterized as homophobic, transphobic, and xenophobic.

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Ireland to boycott Jew-owned products from West Bank https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/13/ireland-to-boycott-jew-owned-products-from-west-bank/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/13/ireland-to-boycott-jew-owned-products-from-west-bank/#respond Sun, 13 Jul 2025 07:00:29 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1072533 Ireland's parliament is expected to bring to a final vote on Tuesday a law that would ban the import of products from Judea and Samaria, defining their sale as a criminal offense. In recent years, Ireland has attempted to implement this move several times, but without success. Now, against the backdrop of the war, parliament […]

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Ireland's parliament is expected to bring to a final vote on Tuesday a law that would ban the import of products from Judea and Samaria, defining their sale as a criminal offense. In recent years, Ireland has attempted to implement this move several times, but without success. Now, against the backdrop of the war, parliament members intend to return and bring the law, which would ban the import of products manufactured in Judea and Samaria. This is a move that arouses great anger in Israel in general and in Judea and Samaria in particular.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan sent a letter to a series of senior officials in the Trump administration and Congress, in which he expressed outrage over the law, which is the first against Jews because of their religion and place of residence since the Holocaust. He demanded that the officials impose high tariffs on Ireland in response when the law is approved. This is the first time, it should be noted, that a Western country is considering imposing a legal boycott in a state manner against Jewish products only, without any reference to Arab factories operating in the same area.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan (Photo: Oren Ben Hakoon) Oren Ben Hakoon

This is an "antisemitic law that discriminates only against Jews living in Judea and Samaria," Dagan wrote. He emphasizes that the law "constitutes a direct violation of human rights, morally and security-wise – and contradicts the official policy of the US under the Trump administration, which recognized in an official declaration that the Judea and Samaria area is not occupied territory and that settlement there is legal and does not contradict international law."

According to Dagan, the law "grants a prize to the terror of the Palestinian Authority and harms peace-loving residents, and it constitutes an integral part of the international boycott policy BDS – a movement that the United States itself has condemned again and again.

"If Ireland passes an official law that boycotts Jews only, it will crown itself as an antisemitic country. This will be the first time since the Holocaust that a specific law against Jews will pass in a European country. A country that becomes antisemitic, contrary to US policy, free world countries cannot overlook this. I call on the United States to impose economic tariffs on any country that supports such antisemitic boycott laws," Dagan wrote.

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Keffiyeh-clad protesters ram fence at US military airbase in Ireland https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/02/keffiyeh-clad-protesters-ram-fence-at-us-military-airbase-in-ireland/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/05/02/keffiyeh-clad-protesters-ram-fence-at-us-military-airbase-in-ireland/#respond Fri, 02 May 2025 06:00:17 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1054329   A group of pro-Palestinian activists used a commercial vehicle to ram through the fence and break into Shannon Airport in western Ireland, a facility also used by the US Air Force. 🚨 BREAKING 🚨 Shannon Airport temporarily suspended operations this evening following a Major Airside breach by Palestine activist group "Palestine Action Éire" The […]

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A group of pro-Palestinian activists used a commercial vehicle to ram through the fence and break into Shannon Airport in western Ireland, a facility also used by the US Air Force.

According to reports in local media, the activists attempted to reach a US Air Force aircraft that had stopped at the location for refueling but were caught by the airport's security unit and removed from the site. Media reports suggested the protesters may have attempted to disrupt the control tower frequencies. Flights at the airport, the fifth largest on the island, were suspended for approximately two hours.

 Members of the "Palestinian Action Ireland" organization documented themselves during the break-in while cutting the airport's fences. The footage shows at least one activist, dressed in a red outfit and wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh, running toward an aircraft on the runway.

The incident received minimal coverage in Ireland's mainstream media, despite the disruption caused to passengers and the potential damage to already strained relations with the Americans. The incoming Irish ambassador to the United States was summoned for a meeting Friday, unrelated to the incident, during which it was made clear to him that his country "is not in the same place" as the United States regarding its view on Israel.

In February, pro-Palestinian organizations demonstrated against the American military presence at Shannon Airport due to the support Washington provides to Israel in its war in Gaza.

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Could McGregor's Israel support cost him Irish presidency? https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/03/23/could-mcgregors-israel-support-cost-him-irish-presidency/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/03/23/could-mcgregors-israel-support-cost-him-irish-presidency/#respond Sun, 23 Mar 2025 11:30:23 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1045875   Conor McGregor, the UFC legend, formally announced this week his intention to run for the presidency of Ireland. The controversial Irish fighter, who until recently was still competing in the octagon, will likely set his athletic career aside and redirect his efforts toward becoming a political leader. Just last week, McGregor visited the White […]

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Conor McGregor, the UFC legend, formally announced this week his intention to run for the presidency of Ireland. The controversial Irish fighter, who until recently was still competing in the octagon, will likely set his athletic career aside and redirect his efforts toward becoming a political leader.

Just last week, McGregor visited the White House and met with President Donald Trump, and in recent days has continued outlining his political platform. McGregor faces severe criticism from local politicians, having been embroiled in numerous scandals over the years, including an ongoing rape investigation. However, beyond these controversies, the Irishman receives considerable backlash specifically for his support of Israel.

During the war, McGregor repeatedly sided with Israel in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He first criticized the Irish prime minister who described Israeli-Irish hostage Emily Hand as a "lost child," then condemned Irish citizens who display flags of terror organizations, and most recently, expressed outrage at his country's position during the hostage deal.

"Hamas paraded caskets of children around to crowd applause just the other day, I am not so sure there is a lower moral level than that," McGregor stated at the time.

In a recently published column, senior journalist Alan McLeod suggested that McGregor's overt support for Israel could prove politically costly given the anti-Israel sentiment prevalent among Irish citizens: "While his pro-Israel stances have earned him plaudits from far-right groups and pro-Israel organizations such as Stop Antisemitism, it has increasingly alienated him from his compatriots, who have come out in strong support of Palestinian liberation.

"Conor McGregor has never been elected to anything, he doesn't represent the Irish people. In fact, we're all pretty embarrassed by him," Colum Eastwood, a member of parliament, stated. McLeod further argued: "McGregor's antics and actions have earned him a massive online following but have cost him the respect of much of his country."

"The thing that unifies Irish people is their hatred for Conor McGregor"

"The one thing that unifies Irish people more than anything else is their hatred for Conor McGregor," Irish journalist Sean Hickey observed. McLeod explained the foundation of Irish public sentiment: "Although geographically situated in Western Europe, Ireland's history is that of a colonized nation rather than a colonizer, making it almost unique among its neighbors. As such, the Irish public has always sympathized with the underdog. On Palestine, the country has remained steadfast in its opposition to Israeli actions.

"Like McGregor, the UFC has strongly aligned itself with the emerging global far-right movement. UFC CEO Dana White is one of Trump's most vocal supporters and closest advisors. In many ways, then, Nurmagomedov represents the people of Ireland far better than the racist, xenophobic hatred that McGregor and his ilk are trying to sell to the country," he concluded.

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'No one is expelling anyone from Gaza,' Trump says https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/03/12/no-one-is-expelling-anyone-from-gaza-trump-says/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/03/12/no-one-is-expelling-anyone-from-gaza-trump-says/#respond Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:20:24 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1043603   Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin called for a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza while advocating for a ceasefire and hostage release during his White House visit on Wednesday, Reuters reported. Speaking alongside Martin before their meeting, President Donald Trump stated that "no one is expelling anyone" from Palestinian territory. The comments came as […]

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Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin called for a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza while advocating for a ceasefire and hostage release during his White House visit on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Speaking alongside Martin before their meeting, President Donald Trump stated that "no one is expelling anyone" from Palestinian territory. The comments came as the two leaders prepared for talks in Washington.

US President Donald Trump meets with Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheal Martin in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, March 12, 2025. Photo credit: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters REUTERS

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Doha through mediators, as Israel and the US push to extend the first phase of the deal in exchange for a ceasefire lasting until after Passover. In February, Israel has decided to completely stop the transfer of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip following the completion of the first stage of the hostage deal, and "due to Hamas' refusal to accept the Witkoff framework for continued talks, which Israel agreed to," the Prime Minister's Office said in an official statement.

"Israel will not agree to a ceasefire without the release of our hostages," the statement read. "If Hamas continues to refuse, there will be further consequences."

The White House rejected an Arab proposal following the Arab League summit in Cairo, where leaders endorsed an Egyptian initiative to rebuild Gaza at a cost of $53 billion aimed at halting Palestinian emigration from the territory. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes stated that the plan "does not address the reality that Gaza is uninhabitable and that its residents cannot live humanely in a territory covered in rubble and unexploded ordnance," adding, "President Trump stands by his vision to rebuild Gaza free from Hamas."

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The Taoiseach's crocodile tears https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/22/the-taoiseachs-crocodile-tears/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/22/the-taoiseachs-crocodile-tears/#respond Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:08:30 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1022021   "Ireland's position has been clear on this from day one. We want to see the release of all hostages, absolutely. We condemned the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, a hundred percent, absolutely. A horrific terrorist attack," Simon Harris, the prime minister of Ireland, said last week. A welcome remark, no? But wait. […]

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"Ireland's position has been clear on this from day one. We want to see the release of all hostages, absolutely. We condemned the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, a hundred percent, absolutely. A horrific terrorist attack," Simon Harris, the prime minister of Ireland, said last week.

A welcome remark, no?

But wait. In the very same press conference, he completely undercut this sentiment when he asked, "What about what Netanyahu is doing to the innocent children of Gaza?"

People protest holding banners and flags calling for the government to impose sanctions on Israel in Dublin, Ireland, November 9, 2024 (Reuters / Clodagh Kilcoyne) REUTERS

Of course, it is not Prime Minister Netanyahu who is harming the children of Gaza. Hamas started a war not only with the full knowledge that any war involves civilian casualties but also with the specific intent of exacerbating any such harm. As even the New York Times eventually reported, the Qassam Brigades "hide under residential neighborhoods, storing their weapons in miles of tunnels and in houses, mosques, sofas – even a child's bedroom – blurring the boundary between civilians and combatants." Netanyahu is not responsible for this.

To portray this war as though it is Netanyahu's actions, and not those of Hamas, that are hurting the children of Gaza is functionally, if not explicitly, to claim that Israel has no right to prosecute this war.

Harris' condemnation of the October 7, 2023 attack is not going to dissuade Hamas from attempting to make good on its promise to repeat it. Nor is his call for releasing the hostages likely to have any effect. Hamas is an international outlaw organization whose leaders are jihadists motivated by a fundamentalist, eliminationist religious fervor. Calls for them to change their course of action coming from the Irish Taoiseach, therefore, aren't going to have any effect on them.

Harris' comments came in response to the news that Israel plans to close its embassy in Ireland. The closure is a result of the Irish cabinet voting to join South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which puts forward the fabricated claim that Israel is committing genocide against the people of Gaza.

Ireland's Foreign Affairs Department is reported to have said, "By legally intervening in South Africa's case, Ireland will be asking the ICJ to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes the commission of genocide by a state." Just as Amnesty did, Ireland has implicitly admitted that the traditional definition of "genocide," does not apply, but seeks to change the definition in order to apply the label to Israel.

The intended result is to prevent Israel from completing its mission of eliminating the terror organization that wants to repeat the 10/7 attack. Ireland is condemning that attack, while simultaneously taking action to enable the next one. Its condemnation, therefore, is meaningless and hypocritical.

Prime Minister Harris' empty condemnation echoes that of international policy heavyweights Cynthia Nixon and Dua Lipa. In December of last year, Nixon, an actress and self-styled political activist, told The View, "Every time I speak on this, I say really loudly that the atrocities committed by Hamas, they're brutal, they're devastating, they're unforgivable, all people of conscience must condemn them," even as she demanded that Israel "cease fire." And in January, the singer Dua Lipa told Rolling Stone, "I feel so bad for every Israeli life lost and what happened on Oct. 7," just before signing an open letter demanding an immediate ceasefire.

It seems as though Taoiseach Harris was attempting to emulate these celebrities' crocodile tears. But those who oppose Israel's taking action to ensure that Hamas can't rebuild and attack again are merely being performative in their condemnations.

Karen Bekker is the assistant director of the Media Response Team at the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (CAMERA), a media-monitoring, research, and membership organization devoted to promoting accurate and balanced coverage of Israel and the Middle East.

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Israel envoy to Dublin explains unusual embassy move https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/16/israeli-ambassador-to-ireland-speaks-out-after-embassy-closure/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/16/israeli-ambassador-to-ireland-speaks-out-after-embassy-closure/#respond Mon, 16 Dec 2024 07:00:53 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1020455   Fourteen months after taking office and several months after leaving Ireland due to anti-Israel measures in the international arena, Dana Erlich, Israel's ambassador to Ireland, speaks about her difficult period as an ambassador in Europe's most anti-Israel country and the decision to close the Israeli embassy in Ireland. "It's a very difficult feeling. The […]

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Fourteen months after taking office and several months after leaving Ireland due to anti-Israel measures in the international arena, Dana Erlich, Israel's ambassador to Ireland, speaks about her difficult period as an ambassador in Europe's most anti-Israel country and the decision to close the Israeli embassy in Ireland.

"It's a very difficult feeling. The decision to close the embassy is brave and correct, but it's a complex situation for the staff, the embassy, the Israeli and Jewish community, and on a personal level. As someone who has been on the front lines every day since the tensions began, it's not easy," the ambassador said. "True, Ireland has been a diplomatically challenging country for many years, even before Oct. 7, 2023, but it's still hard to close an embassy. It's a historic event. It's also difficult to part with the people who accompanied us and were partners in the challenging journey we've been through in the last 14 months."

This is Dana Erlich's first role as an ambassador. Previously, she held numerous positions in the Foreign Ministry, including roles in Costa Rica and Los Angeles, political advisor in London, and headquarters positions such as coordination manager in the Foreign Ministry Director General's office and director of the cadet course. "When I started my mission in Ireland, I met with Irish officials who claimed they weren't anti-Israel, and I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt and see where the relations would progress," Erlich said.

Just a month after taking office, she quickly realized that the Irish conduct was anti-Israel. "In the past year, we've seen how the Irish have crossed every boundary of extremism, to the point of obsession against us. When you ask the International Court of Justice to change the definition of 'genocide' to fit what they want us to be guilty of, which is what the Irish did, then it's already an obsession."

Pro-Palestinian activists from the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, supported by members of left-wing parties including People Before Profit and the Socialist Party and students, participate in the National March for Palestine from the Garden of Remembrance to Connell Street and Leinster House, on May 18, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland. Photo credit: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via AFP NurPhoto via AFP

Receiving thank-you notes from Hamas and promoting BDS legislation

"When they recognize a Palestinian state and receive thank-you notes from Hamas, we understand where they stand in terms of their opinions. When they try to promote BDS legislation that will harm Irish citizens and the Irish economy, these are not steps that contribute to coexistence. These aren't even pro-Palestinian steps; they're anti-Israel steps."

Since she began serving as ambassador in early September 2023, Erlich encountered a harsh reality bordering on impossible, with hostility coming from the media, the political establishment, and ordinary citizens. "The extreme discourse has taken over Irish public opinion. I think they are in an echo chamber that only fuels each other. The media, civil society, and politicians are competing to see who can be more extreme against Israel.

"I don't think the entire Irish nation is antisemitic or that everyone is against Israel, but given the discourse that has developed, people who think Israel is okay are afraid to express their opinion, and a completely one-sided discourse has been created, including bullying towards anyone who expresses a balanced position, let alone pro-Israel positions. A total distortion has been created here.

A one-dimensional narrative against Israel

"We keep saying that there's a one-sided bias and double standard when it comes to Israel, and it's so ingrained in the Irish system that they can't even see it. The delegitimization of any cooperation with Israel, even without government sponsorship, has become illegitimate, and this is what we don't see in any other country.

"I also look at Ireland and don't see that a change in the political map will change their attitude towards us. In the media, there's no other story but a one-dimensional narrative against Israel. In the public sphere, there are no factors presenting a more balanced position. It's one similar voice that is ultimately anti-Israel."

Q: Why is it important to maintain relations with Ireland?

"It's important to emphasize that closing the embassy is not severing relations, but transitioning to a different format. We don't have embassies in every country we have relations with. The decision is to channel and transfer resources to a place that is interested in cooperating with us. We maintain channels of dialogue with many countries where we don't have embassies. Regarding relations with Ireland, there's a Jewish and Israeli community there, and it's important for us to ensure their presence and security.

A child holds a Palestinian flag during a protest calling for the government to impose sanctions on Israel, during a demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and Lebanon, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Dublin, Ireland November 9, 2024. Photo credit: REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne REUTERS

"There are many large international companies in Ireland, and we have shared trade relations between Israel, Ireland, and the US, as well as relationships with the business sector and the private sector, and these relationships will continue. Israel has relationships with other countries as well, even those that are relatively hostile to Israel's policies."

Delegitimization campaign

In addition to the delegitimization campaign against Israel, there was also a delegitimization campaign directed specifically against Ambassador Erlich, including death threats, distribution of posters with her picture, sending threatening letters to the embassy, and countless calls against her, including on social media.

"It's difficult to be at the center of an incitement campaign focused on the country you love and on you personally. It's hard to see the price all the embassy staff members paid because they worked at the Israeli embassy. It was a difficult year for all of us, but what kept me going was the pride I have in having a voice and role during one of the country's most difficult periods.

"The incitement campaign stems from the fact that our messages received resonance and presence in Ireland. I also felt a personal threat at times; my freedom of movement was restricted due to the many threats and the specific situation there. But I think it's not easy for anyone in the Foreign Ministry during this period; it's not easy for any ambassador to be in this situation. What we showed in the last 14 months is that we're not afraid and are at the forefront of facing every diplomatic challenge. At the same time, part of this duty is also knowing how to reassess resources and benefits.

Q: To what extent did you experience antisemitism there?

"If we define delegitimization of Israel as antisemitism, then it's impossible to separate the two. Antisemitism is present."

Q: People from the Israeli community in Ireland expressed great appreciation for your activities in Ireland, and at the same time, expressed concern about the future due to the closure of the embassy. What is your message to them?

"I hear their concerns and understand them. We will continue to help them in every possible way. It should be emphasized that their concerns stem from the fact that the Irish government does not provide security for the Jewish and Israeli communities. In the past year, the Israeli community in Ireland has been a close, important, and valued partner. They are amazing people who pay high personal prices in their workplaces because of their support for Israel and because they are Israelis or Jews. I appreciate them, and for me, they are one of the things that made it easier for me, knowing that we are on the front lines but not alone, and they also need to know that they are not alone, and we will continue to help them as much as we can."

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Israel to close Dublin embassy https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/15/israel-to-close-dublin-embassy/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/12/15/israel-to-close-dublin-embassy/#respond Sun, 15 Dec 2024 15:30:18 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1019975   Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar ordered the closure of Israel's embassy in Ireland today, marking a significant downturn in bilateral relations while announcing plans to establish a new diplomatic presence in Moldova. The decision to shutter the Dublin mission comes in response to what Sa'ar characterized as the Irish government's "extreme anti-Israel policies." The […]

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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar ordered the closure of Israel's embassy in Ireland today, marking a significant downturn in bilateral relations while announcing plans to establish a new diplomatic presence in Moldova.

The decision to shutter the Dublin mission comes in response to what Sa'ar characterized as the Irish government's "extreme anti-Israel policies." The diplomatic relationship had already been strained after Ireland's unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, which prompted Israel to recall its ambassador. Tensions escalated further last week when Ireland announced it would join South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, which accuses Israel of genocide.

A child holds a Palestinian flag during a protest calling for the government to impose sanctions on Israel, during a demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and Lebanon, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Dublin, Ireland November 9, 2024. Photo credit: REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne REUTERS

"Ireland's antisemitic actions and rhetoric against Israel are rooted in delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state and reflect clear double standards," Sa'ar said. "Ireland has crossed all red lines in its treatment of Israel. We will redirect our resources toward advancing bilateral relations with countries based on priorities that reflect how different nations relate to Israel."

In contrast, Israel's relationship with Moldova is warm and cooperative, with both countries eager to deepen their diplomatic ties. Moldova already maintains an embassy in Israel, and Sa'ar informed Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi of his decision to establish an Israeli embassy in Chișinău, planned for early 2025. The foreign minister has directed his ministry's director general to secure appropriate premises and initiate the process of appointing an ambassador.

"There are countries interested in strengthening their ties with Israel where we don't yet have diplomatic missions," Sa'ar noted. "We will adjust our diplomatic network while considering, among other factors, different countries' approaches and actions toward Israel in the international arena."

Lior Tibet, an Israeli student who spoke to Israel Hayom in November, emphasized the Irish public largely views Israel as the antagonist in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with political leaders spearheading opposition campaigns, with Ireland being among the most vocal advocates pressing the European Union to reassess its trade agreements with Israel. "Weekly anti-Israel demonstrations feature Hamas and Hezbollah flags, with calls to globalize the intifada," Lior said. "Media coverage remains starkly one-sided. When presented with antisemitic incidents, outlets either ignore them entirely or construct forced 'balanced' coverage that minimizes their significance. This stems from the highest levels – President Michael Higgins dismisses antisemitism claims as Israeli embassy PR stunts," she added.

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'Judaism believes violence and war are necessary': A look inside Irish textbooks https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/14/judaism-believes-violence-and-war-are-necessary-a-look-inside-irish-textbooks/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/11/14/judaism-believes-violence-and-war-are-necessary-a-look-inside-irish-textbooks/#respond Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:00:10 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1011897   Jewish students in Ireland are changing schools to escape harassment as a new report exposes bias in school textbooks, the Jewish Chronicle reveals. The findings emerge from an extensive study by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (Impact-se), which identified multiple instances of problematic content in Irish educational materials. […]

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Jewish students in Ireland are changing schools to escape harassment as a new report exposes bias in school textbooks, the Jewish Chronicle reveals.

The findings emerge from an extensive study by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (Impact-se), which identified multiple instances of problematic content in Irish educational materials.

Ireland's Chief Rabbi told the Jewish Chronicle that some students now express fear about their Jewish identity. The Jewish Representative Council of Ireland (JRCI) confirmed this assessment, noting that several young Jewish students have transferred schools due to hostile environments.

Maurice Cohen, JRCI chair, has repeatedly sought meetings with Minister for Education Norma Foley to discuss these concerns. The education department responded to the Jewish Chronicle, stating: "There is no evidence of antisemitism being taught in Irish schools."

"There has been a marked increase in incidents, with deeply hurtful remarks ranging from Holocaust denial to comments about the Israeli-Gaza conflict," Cohen told the Jewish Chronicle. He criticized the government's response to rising antisemitism and problematic textbook content as "nothing short of scandalous and shocking."

The 40-page Impact-se report examined numerous Irish textbooks designed for students aged 12 to 16. The Irish government dismissed the findings, telling the Jewish Chronicle: "The Department of Education is confident that Irish students are being taught in a fair and balanced way by high-quality Irish teachers in a variety of subjects, including the history of the Jewish people and Judaism."

In "Call to Action", a civics textbook from Gill Education, students are presented with various activities focused on the Palestinian perspective. The book features climate activist Greta Thunberg on its cover and includes exercises asking students to consider potential futures for Palestinian children.

Another text, Inspire - Wisdom of the World, published by Educate.ie, claims Jesus was born in a country called "Palestine." The book states, "Today this area, between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea, is also known as the Holy Land." Impact-se noted that "Historical references to Jesus living in 'Palestine' without appropriate context can contribute to narratives that challenge Israel's legitimacy and undermine the Jewish historical connection to the land."

The same book presents religions differently, stating "Judaism believes that violence and war are sometimes necessary to promote justice," while describing Islam as "in favor of peace and against violence," and Christianity's aim as "to promote a world in which peace and justice and enjoyed by everyone."

In Veritas' "Grow in Love", a 2019 edition depicted people who "do not like Jesus" wearing a tallit (Jewish prayer shawl). Following criticism, Veritas updated the textbook in 2024, removing the tallit image. In another Veritas publication, "Faith Seeking Understanding, Christianity: Origins and Contemporary Expressions", the parable of the Good Samaritan is illustrated with an image of a boy wearing a Palestinian scarf protesting Israel.

Naomi Taylor, a Jewish mother and primary school special needs assistant, expressed alarm about the education department's oversight. "They advised me that they have no oversight on what goes into textbooks," she told the Jewish Chronicle, adding she was "truly shocked" by this revelation.

Pro-Palestinian activists from the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, supported by members of left-wing parties including People Before Profit and the Socialist Party and students, participate in the National March for Palestine on May 18, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland Artur Widak/ NurPhoto via AFP

Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder reported that students have told him "they feel afraid because they are Jewish, or that they avoid talking about being Jewish in front of their non-Jewish peers." Rabbi Wieder, who has London roots, told the Jewish Chronicle: "The anti-Israel narrative in Ireland has become so distorted and widespread that it creates a context in which antisemitism can thrive."

The Irish Department of Education explained to the Jewish Chronicle: "Apart from a small number of prescribed texts at post-primary level, determined by the NCCA, it is the responsibility of each individual school to select the resources that it will use to support its implementation of the curriculum. The content of textbooks is decided by each publisher."

Marcus Sheff, Impact-se chief executive, told the Jewish Chronicle: "As our report makes clear, there is content in Irish textbooks that is deeply concerning. When aspects of the Holocaust are minimised and when Judaism is portrayed as being less peaceful than other great religions, it should raise a clear red flag for the Irish authorities. The good news is that where there is willing, these issues can be tackled and rectified. We hope that both textbook publishers and members of the Irish government will be open to making much-needed changes."

 

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