“I fear for the future of my children here," says Jewish protester removed from Irish Shoah event by force 

A Jewish woman who was forcibly removed from Ireland’s official Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony after silently protesting President Michael Higgins’ remarks on Gaza has expressed deep fears for her children’s future in the country.

Lior Tibet, 37, was ejected from the event along with a pregnant Jewish friend and four others after they turned their backs on Higgins during his speech, which referenced the “thousands searching for relatives in the rubble” of Gaza.

“After what happened yesterday, I’m really worried about how this will affect my kids. The atmosphere in Ireland is not what it used to be,” Tibet, a mother of two, told the JC. “When I first came here, I loved this country. But after October 7, it feels like I’m having an existential crisis. It’s hard to believe it’s the same country.”

Tibet’s pregnant friend, who wished to remain anonymous, accused Higgins of politicizing the solemn event.

“It was horrible. I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I told them I was pregnant, and the security guard continued to push me out with their bodies. It was so disrespectful.”

She added that Holocaust survivors Tomi Reichental and Suzi Diamond had specifically asked Higgins not to reference Gaza in his address, making the remarks even more shocking.

Tibet, originally from Israel but a resident of Dublin for seven years, said she is demanding a public apology from both President Higgins and Holocaust Education Ireland.

“The moment I stood up and turned my back, they grabbed me and started dragging me out,” Tibet said. “They didn’t ask, they just pushed. I’m a Jewish woman at a ceremony for my community. I have a right to be there.”

The event was already contentious, with Higgins’ participation drawing criticism ahead of time. In July 2023, he faced backlash after sending a congratulatory letter to newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, later accusing Israel of publicizing the letter. By December, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the closure of Israel’s embassy in Ireland, citing the “extreme anti-Israel policy of the Irish government.”

Amid this tense backdrop, Tibet said she felt compelled to attend and make her voice heard. “This wasn’t just about me—it’s about ensuring that Jewish voices aren’t drowned out or silenced in moments meant to honor our history,” she said.

The Jewish Chronicle contributed to this article.