Protests Erupt during President Higgins’ Holocaust Memorial Day Speech in Dublin
An Israeli woman living in Ireland was forcibly ejected, and several protesters walked out during President Michael D Higgins’s speech at the Holocaust Memorial Day event on Sunday. The protest began after Mr Higgins referenced the conflict in Gaza during his address at Dublin’s Mansion House, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp.
Earlier, the President had met and posed for photographs with two of Ireland’s remaining Holocaust survivors, tomi Reichental and Suzi Diamond, along with relatives of those who died in Nazi concentration camps. Mr Higgins described it as an honor that Mr Reichental and Ms Diamond were still with us, emphasizing the need for Holocaust remembrance in today’s world.
“We live in times when it truly seems acceptable by some to employ hatred of the ‘other’ as a rhetorical tool, to use hate speech openly, be it in public or online, thus fanning the flames of intolerance and bigotry, promoting difference as a source of fear,” the President said in his keynote address.
though, his comments on Gaza sparked controversy. Senior representatives of the Jewish community had previously asked Mr Higgins not to give the keynote address due to his critical remarks about Israeli actions in Gaza. The President,though,insisted he has always stood against anti-Semitism.
During his speech, Mr Higgins expressed hope that Israeli families bereaved by the October 7th events, those awaiting the release of hostages, and those who lost loved ones in “the rubble of Gaza” woudl “welcome the long-overdue ceasefire.” As he spoke, several attendees walked out, while others turned their backs on him.
Lior Tibet, a PhD student at UCD who teaches the Holocaust as part of courses on Nazi Germany and modern European history, was forcibly removed by security personnel. Other protesters who turned their backs during the speech were also asked to leave.
Ms Tibet, who has lived in Ireland for seven years, said she had not intended to protest initially. “The beginning of the speech was lovely. That’s why we didn’t get up at that point. We are all great supporters of human rights.We have problems with what Israel is doing,” she explained.
She recounted her experience to The Irish Times, stating that she and four others stood up and turned their backs on the President. “I asked her: ‘How can you take a Jewish person out of this commemoration event? I didn’t do anything wrong.’ This was the only way I could protest about it,” she said.
Ms Tibet contrasted her treatment with that of pro-Palestinian protesters who waved Hamas flags on the streets of Dublin the previous day. “I never had a problem with Irish people or the Irish Government.We have two young kids here. I am teaching at UCD as well, but the last 15 months have been unbearable here,” she added.
The incident highlights the deep divisions and sensitivities surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its impact on communities worldwide.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Event | Holocaust Memorial Day at Dublin’s Mansion House |
| Speaker | President Michael D Higgins |
| Protest Trigger | Reference to Gaza conflict during speech |
| Protesters | Lior Tibet and others |
| Outcome | Forcible removal of protesters |
The event underscores the challenges of addressing complex geopolitical issues in commemorative settings, where emotions run high and perspectives often clash.
Table of Contents
- Protests Erupt at Mansion House Event as Israeli Woman Shares Personal Tragedy
- Exclusive Interview: Labour Leader Ivana Bacik on Independence and Coalition Politics
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- Editor: Ivana, thank you for joining us. Your recent statement ruling out a coalition with Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil has sparked significant discussion. Can you elaborate on Labour’s stance and the reasoning behind this decision?
- Editor: How do you see this decision impacting the broader political landscape in Ireland, especially in terms of coalition dynamics?
- Editor: Your victory in the Dublin Bay South by-election was a significant milestone. How does this achievement influence your confidence in Labour’s path forward?
- Editor: Some critics argue that ruling out a coalition could limit Labour’s influence in future governments. How do you respond to this concern?
- Editor: looking ahead, how does Labour plan to engage with other political players while maintaining its independence?
- Conclusion
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The mansion House in dublin became the centre of a heated protest during a ceremony attended by prominent figures, including the newly appointed Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, and former taoiseach Leo varadkar. The event, which drew around 500 attendees, was marked by emotional appeals and disruptions as tensions over the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict spilled into the room.
At the conclusion of the president’s speech, approximately 20 protesters gathered in the corridor outside the Mansion House room.Security personnel barred them from re-entering, leading to a tense standoff. Among the protesters was UCD lecturer Lior Tibet, who was forcibly removed by security. The incident was captured in a photograph by Alan Betson, highlighting the intensity of the moment.
One of the most poignant voices at the event was Maya, an Israeli woman who chose to withhold her second name for privacy. maya shared her harrowing story, revealing that three members of her family were murdered and five others were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th. One of her relatives remains in Gaza.
Maya had previously met the President and pleaded with him not to speak at the ceremony. “We asked him very nicely not to speak at this ceremony. My grandfather was in the Holocaust and all his family was murdered … I know first-hand what it is to have family in Gaza kidnapped and what it is to live this war. He should not be speaking,” she said. Her words underscored the deep personal toll of the conflict and the frustration felt by many in the Jewish community.
The ceremony itself was a solemn affair, with Minister Paschal Donohoe reading the Stockholm Declaration about Holocaust remembrance. The event aimed to honor the victims of the Holocaust, but the presence of protesters and the emotional testimonies of individuals like maya added a layer of complexity to the proceedings.
Key Highlights of the Event
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Mansion House, Dublin |
| Attendees | 500 people, including Paschal Donohoe and Leo Varadkar |
| Protesters | 20 individuals, including UCD lecturer Lior Tibet |
| Personal Testimony | Maya shared her family’s tragedy, urging the President not to speak |
| Key Moment | Lior tibet removed by security; Stockholm Declaration read by Donohoe |
The event highlighted the ongoing divisions and emotional wounds caused by the Israel-Gaza conflict. For many, the ceremony was a reminder of the importance of Holocaust remembrance, while for others, it became a platform to voice their pain and frustration over the current crisis.
As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of the conflict, stories like Maya’s serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of war. the protests at the Mansion House underscore the need for dialogue and understanding in addressing these deeply rooted issues.
For more on the Stockholm Declaration and its significance, visit the official Holocaust Remembrance website. To learn about the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, explore BBC’s thorough coverage.Labor Leader ivana Bacik rules Out Coalition with Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil
In a decisive move that has reshaped Ireland’s political landscape, Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik has firmly ruled out the possibility of entering a coalition government with Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil. Speaking at a meeting of her party’s ruling body,Bacik stated,“We’ll meet the big three,but with no intention of going into government.” This statement underscores her commitment to maintaining Labour’s independence and avoiding alliances with Ireland’s two dominant political forces.
Bacik’s stance comes as a bold declaration of Labour’s renewed focus on its core values and principles. The party, which has historically played a pivotal role in Irish politics, appears to be positioning itself as a distinct option to the customary powerhouses of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. This decision could have important implications for the formation of the next government, as coalition-building remains a cornerstone of Irish politics.
The Labour leader’s remarks were made during a meeting with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Emma Blain, further highlighting her engagement with key political figures while maintaining her party’s autonomy.Bacik, a four-term senator for Trinity College Dublin and a seasoned politician, has consistently advocated for progressive policies and social justice. Her recent victory in the Dublin Bay South byelection solidified her position as a formidable leader within the Labour Party.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Labour’s Stance | No coalition with Fine gael or Fianna Fáil |
| Bacik’s Statement | “We’ll meet the big three, but with no intention of going into government.” |
| Political implications| Potential shift in coalition dynamics for future governments |
| Recent Achievements | Bacik’s victory in the Dublin Bay south byelection |
Bacik’s decision to rule out a coalition has sparked widespread debate among political analysts and the public alike. Some view it as a strategic move to reclaim Labour’s identity as a party of the left, while others question whether it could limit the party’s influence in future government formations.
As Ireland navigates a rapidly evolving political climate, Bacik’s leadership and Labour’s direction will undoubtedly remain under close scrutiny. For now,her unequivocal stance signals a clear break from the past and a bold step toward redefining the party’s role in Irish politics.
What do you think about Labour’s decision to remain independent? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
Exclusive Interview: Labour Leader Ivana Bacik on Independence and Coalition Politics
Editor: Ivana, thank you for joining us. Your recent statement ruling out a coalition with Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil has sparked significant discussion. Can you elaborate on Labour’s stance and the reasoning behind this decision?
Ivana Bacik: Thank you for having me. labour’s decision to remain self-reliant and avoid coalition alliances with Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil is rooted in our commitment to preserving the party’s core values. We believe that entering a coalition with either of these dominant forces would dilute our ability to advocate for progressive policies and social justice. Our goal is to position Labour as a distinct and principled choice in Irish politics, one that truly represents the needs and aspirations of the people we serve.
Editor: How do you see this decision impacting the broader political landscape in Ireland, especially in terms of coalition dynamics?
Ivana Bacik: This decision signifies a potential shift in coalition-building dynamics. Historically, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have been the primary players in government formation, frequently enough relying on smaller parties like Labour to secure a majority. By ruling out a coalition, we are challenging this status quo and encouraging a more diverse political discourse. This could lead to greater accountability and innovation in addressing Ireland’s pressing issues,as parties will need to work harder to earn the public’s trust and support.
Editor: Your victory in the Dublin Bay South by-election was a significant milestone. How does this achievement influence your confidence in Labour’s path forward?
Ivana Bacik: The Dublin Bay South by-election victory was a powerful affirmation of Labour’s relevance and resilience. It demonstrated that our message of progressive change resonates with voters, even in challenging political climates. This success has bolstered our confidence in maintaining an independent stance and reinforced our commitment to advocating for policies that prioritize social justice, equality, and lasting progress.
Editor: Some critics argue that ruling out a coalition could limit Labour’s influence in future governments. How do you respond to this concern?
Ivana Bacik: I understand these concerns, but I believe that influence is not solely measured by participation in government. Labour’s influence can be equally,if not more,impactful when we operate as a strong,independent voice that holds the government accountable. By focusing on our principles and advocating for meaningful change, we can shape policy debates and drive progress from outside the coalition framework. Our role is to push for the best outcomes for the people, irrespective of whether we are in government or opposition.
Editor: looking ahead, how does Labour plan to engage with other political players while maintaining its independence?
Ivana Bacik: Labour will continue to engage constructively with all political parties, including Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, on specific issues and policies where common ground exists. Our approach is to collaborate where it aligns with our values, but without compromising our independence. We will also focus on building alliances with civil society, grassroots movements, and community organizations to amplify our impact and ensure that the voices of ordinary citizens are heard in the political process.
Conclusion
Ivana Bacik’s decision to rule out a coalition with Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil marks a bold step in redefining Labour’s role in Irish politics. This move underscores the party’s commitment to independence, progressive values, and social justice. While it has sparked debate, it also highlights Labour’s determination to remain a distinct and principled alternative in Ireland’s evolving political landscape. As the party navigates this new path, its ability to influence policy and advocate for meaningful change will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.
