DUBLIN
While one might assume the deafening chorus of unconditional support Israel enjoys stretches across all Western nations, there is one country that stands out as a bastion for Palestinian rights: Ireland.
The country’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause from the grassroots to the highest echelons of power exemplifies a profound sense of empathy and shared history.
While many European countries have been offering Israel “unwavering” support, Ireland opted to show its solidarity with Palestine.
Irish President Michael Higgins criticized remarks by European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen since the conflict broke out on Oct. 7, saying she was “not speaking for Ireland and she wasn’t speaking for the opinions that they hold.”
Ireland’s perception of Israel underwent a significant transformation as the country grappled with its own anti-British rebellion and a painful civil war that left Northern Ireland under British control.
To many in Ireland, Israel is more akin to a colonial entity forcibly established by British influence, determined to assert itself over an indigenous population.
This view was further cemented by Israel’s actions after 1967, particularly its occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. The seizure of Palestinian land and imposition of military rule evoked memories of Ireland’s own history of repression at the hands of the British.
This has forged a strong connection between the two nations, separated by geography but united by their yearning for justice and freedom, and continues to shape international discourse and advocacy for Palestinian rights.
In 1980, Ireland made history by becoming the first EU member to officially call for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
This was a pivotal moment in the country’s commitment to advancing the rights of Palestinians.
It had refused, meanwhile, to open an Israeli residential Embassy in Dublin until 1993, becoming the last EU member to do so, clearly opposing Tel Aviv’s treatment of Palestinians, and reinforcing the Irish dedication to standing in solidarity with Palestine.
Today in the midst of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Ireland is once again at the forefront of opposing Israel in the EU.
The Irish perspective on the Palestinian struggle is rooted in their own historical struggles, fostering a deep empathy for the Palestinian cause.
This extends from ordinary Irish citizens to government officials and members of the Dail, Ireland’s parliament.
‘Palestinian struggle defining issue of our time’
James Quigley, a representative of the Belfast Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), drew parallels between Ireland’s own history of colonial struggle and the plight of the Palestinians.
“The people of Ireland have a proud history of the colonial struggle … So we know what it’s like to struggle against an occupation, struggle against that oppression.”
“But at the same time, what we suffered is nowhere comparable to what the Palestinians have suffered for the past 75 years with apartheid occupation, ethnic cleansing, murder,” he underlined.
“The Irish love the people of Palestine. I think for us, and even for me, personally, I see their struggle as a fight for humanity. It’s like the defining issue of our time.
“It was apartheid in South Africa and we beat that. It’s apartheid in Israel and with the strength of Palestinians and our solidarity, we’ll beat that as well,” he explained.