The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) condemns the recent actions and rhetoric of the Republic of Ireland's leadership, which have raised serious concerns among Jewish communities worldwide. While the Republic of Ireland's National Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration is a critical moment to honor the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, it cannot be divorced from the troubling politicization from the nation's head of state.
"The Republic of Ireland must understand that Holocaust remembrance is not just about ceremonies but about actions that uphold historical truth and combat antisemitism in all its forms," said Dillon Hosier, CEO at ICAN. "Recent statements by President Higgins threaten to undermine the very principles these commemorations aim to protect."
President Michael D. Higgins' recent statements, including his baseless claim that Israel seeks to establish settlements in Egypt, have not only demonstrated a disregard for the sensitivities of Jewish communities but also contributed to a growing climate of hostility and misinformation regarding the State of Israel. Such rhetoric, coming from a head of state, undermines the very principles of mutual respect and historical truth that Holocaust commemorations are meant to uphold. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar strongly rebuked these remarks, calling them "antisemitic lies" and demanding accountability.
Similarly, Chief Rabbi of Ireland Yoni Wieder described President Higgins' comments as "totally baseless" and "baffling," warning that such statements risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining efforts to combat antisemitism globally.
ICAN urges leaders from the Republic of Ireland to take immediate steps to address the damage caused by these harmful statements. Holocaust remembrance must be accompanied by an unequivocal commitment to combating antisemitism in all its forms, including the delegitimization of Israel and the spread of baseless accusations against its government.
"Holocaust remembrance is a solemn duty that demands respect and integrity. President Higgins' recent comments not only distort historical realities but also risk inciting antisemitic violence against Jewish communities globally," said John Mirisch, ICAN Chief Policy Officer and former Mayor of the City of Beverly Hills. "Ireland must live up to its responsibilities as a member-state of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and fully adopt the Working Definition of Antisemitism, including all of the provided examples."
"In 2020, under my leadership as Mayor, the City of Beverly Hills became the first city in the United States to formally adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, reaffirming our commitment to combating Jew-hatred and protecting our communities," added Mirisch.
Ireland has been a member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) since 2011. Ireland's membership underscores its declared commitment to combating antisemitism and preserving the historical truth of the Holocaust. However, the country has faced criticism for not fully adopting the IHRA's Working Definition of Antisemitism, particularly regarding its illustrative examples.
The Republic of Ireland's participation in the IHRA must be reflected not only in ceremonial gestures but in tangible actions that support Jewish communities and defend the truth of the Holocaust against distortion. Failure to do so calls into question the sincerity of the Republic of Ireland's commitment to these critical principles.
The Republic of Ireland's National Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration is an annual official state event organized to honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust, along with millions of others who suffered under Nazi persecution. It is held on or near January 27, the date marking the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. The event aims to educate future generations about the Holocaust and promote awareness of the dangers of antisemitism and other forms of hatred.
About ICAN:
The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) is a movement bringing together Israeli-American activists and American pro-Israel advocates leading grassroots initiatives to create change for a better America, a more secure Israel, and a stronger U.S. - Israel alliance through advocacy education, civic action, and elections.
Learn more about the Israeli-American Civic Action Network at IsraelUSA.org. Find John Mirisch, ICAN Chief Policy Officer on X at @JohnMirisch.