Irish President Michael Higgins condemned Israel's actions in Gaza during the International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony, despite pleas from Holocaust survivors, including Tommy Reichental, the Jewish community, and others who requested he avoid the topic. Chaos erupted as participants protesting his remarks were removed from the hall.
Speaking at the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation, Higgins connected Holocaust lessons to Palestinian accounts of Israeli actions in Gaza. "We must ensure each generation understands how Holocaust atrocities were possible and learn the right lessons, 80 years later," he said.
# Irish President's Holocaust Memorial Speech Sparks Outrage
Irish President Michael Higgins drew fierce criticism Sunday for using the International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony to condemn Israel's actions in Gaza, despite prior protests from Holocaust survivors and Jewish community leaders who had urged him not to politicize the event.
Speaking at Dublin's 80th anniversary commemoration of Auschwitz's liberation, Higgins proceeded with his controversial address despite pleas from Holocaust survivor Tommy Reichental and Jewish community representatives. The speech triggered chaos when security guards forcefully removed Israeli attendees who attempted to protest.
The incident follows weeks of tension after Jewish leaders deemed Higgins an "inappropriate" choice for the ceremony. Maurice Cohen, head of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, had warned that Higgins' participation would "offend many in the audience, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who expect dignity and unity on such a significant day."
During his speech, Higgins connected Holocaust remembrance to the current Gaza conflict, asking "How can the world continue to watch the empty bowls of the hungry?" while citing Palestinian accounts. His comments came after Israel's December decision to close its Dublin embassy, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar labeling Higgins an "antisemitic liar."
The controversy intensified after Higgins dismissed Israeli concerns about rising antisemitism in Ireland as "a PR exercise" in May. Ireland's Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder noted that Higgins "has neglected even to acknowledge the scourge of contemporary antisemitism in Ireland, let alone do anything to address it."
This marks Higgins' sixth Holocaust memorial address. In 2024, he similarly used the platform to highlight Gaza casualties while acknowledging Hamas's "horrific and morally reprehensible" October 7 attack. His office defends his approach as "ethical remembering," aimed at highlighting marginalized victims' voices.
Jewish leaders report unprecedented hostility toward Jews in Ireland over the past months, citing "coarsened rhetoric from elected officials" and "a deafening silence from many" as contributing factors. Oliver Sears, head of Holocaust Awareness Ireland, previously expressed deep concern about Higgins' continued participation in Holocaust remembrance events.
Times of Israel contributed to this article.
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