Latest news with #HolocaustMemorialDayCommemoration
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Irish president accused of 'politicising' Holocaust event
Israeli Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich has accused the Irish president of "politicising" a Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration in Dublin on Sunday. The event marked 80 years since the end of World War II and was held to remember victims of the Holocaust. A number of people were removed and others left the event in Dublin's Mansion House in protest as Michael D Higgins delivered his speech, which referenced the Israel-Gaza war. Erlich said comments made by President Higgins had "predictably" admonished the state of Israel. It follows comments from the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, who said President Higgins had "resorted to a cheap, despicable provocation" during the event. On Monday, Dana Erlich said that by referencing the war in Gaza in the manner that he did, at this particular event with no reference to any other conflict, the president "consciously chose to draw an analogy" between current events and World War Two. She added: "The concerns of the Irish Jewish and Israeli communities about Ireland becoming a hostile place, a place where they are reluctant to express their Jewish identity and heritage, are not being addressed sufficiently". Erlich also accused President Higgins of ignoring "the obvious link between the Holocaust and the state of Israel and how our country became a refuge for survivors of the worst genocide in history". During his speech on Sunday, President Higgins made mention of revenge as a "lessening of the human spirit". Audiences members walked out and others turned their backs when the president referenced the war in Gaza. He said: "Those in Israel who mourn their loved ones, those who have been waiting for the release of hostages, or the thousands searching for relatives in the rubble in Gaza will welcome the long-overdue ceasefire for which there has been such a heavy price paid." President Higgins quoted both the Israeli peace activist Maoz Inon and the Palestinian peace activist Aziz Abu Sarah who, he said, while each carrying a near-unbearable grief, were asking people to listen to each other. Some of those who turned their backs, were removed from the building by security. In her statement, Dana Erlich expressed specific concern at this. "It was shocking to observe that attendees from the Jewish and Israeli community in Ireland, who chose to express disagreement with the president's comments in a dignified a non-disruptive manner where forcibly removed from the memorial event and refused entry for the remainder of the commemoration." She described it as an "ugly and regrettable scene" which has been viewed with "disbelief and disgust". "Sadly, the concerns of the Irish Jewish and Israeli communities about Ireland becoming a hostile place... are not being addressed sufficiently," she added. Meanwhile, The Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris expressed his support for Michael D Higgins who he said was "right" to to mention the Middle East during his speech at the Holocaust commemoration. Mr Harris told reporters in Brussels that he thought the president was "clear in relation to obviously specific issues regarding the Holocaust and his absolute condemnation of the horror, the murder of the Jewish people, but also, I think, rightly mentioning the situation in the Middle East as well but also calling very much for hostages to be released". Harris said he was conscious it is a "very, very sensitive time" and he didn't wish to say anything to distract from that. The tánaiste (deputy prime minister) added he was "not sure" if the president's speech was vetted by the Department of Foreign Affairs prior to delivery The president had rejected an earlier call from Dana Erlich to withdraw from giving a speech at the event following an accusation that he helped to nurture the "anti-Israeli atmosphere" in Ireland. Last month, Israel's foreign minister announced that the country's embassy in Dublin would close over "the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government". This followed the recognition of a Palestinian state by Ireland, along with Norway and Spain, in May last year. Former Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Harris said the decision by Israel to close its Irish embassy is "deeply regrettable". He also rejected that Ireland is anti-Israel. Israeli foreign minister calls Ireland's premier 'antisemitic' What next as Ireland recognises Palestinian state? Israel to close embassy in Ireland as it criticises 'anti-Israel policies'
BBC News
27-01-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Israel: Irish president accused of 'politicising' Holocaust event
Israeli Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich has accused the Irish president of "politicising" a Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration in Dublin on event marked 80 years since the end of World War II and was held to remember victims of the Holocaust.A number of people were removed and others left the event in Dublin's Mansion House in protest as Michael D Higgins delivered his speech, which referenced the Israel-Gaza said comments made by President Higgins had "predictably" admonished the state of Israel. It follows comments from the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, who said President Higgins had "resorted to a cheap, despicable provocation" during the event. 'Ireland becoming a hostile place' On Monday, Dana Erlich said that by referencing the war in Gaza in the manner that he did, at this particular event with no reference to any other conflict, the president "consciously chose to draw an analogy" between current events and World War added: "The concerns of the Irish Jewish and Israeli communities about Ireland becoming a hostile place, a place where they are reluctant to express their Jewish identity and heritage, are not being addressed sufficiently".Erlich also accused President Higgins of ignoring "the obvious link between the Holocaust and the state of Israel and how our country became a refuge for survivors of the worst genocide in history". 'Ugly and regrettable scene' During his speech on Sunday, President Higgins made mention of revenge as a "lessening of the human spirit".Audiences members walked out and others turned their backs when the president referenced the war in said: "Those in Israel who mourn their loved ones, those who have been waiting for the release of hostages, or the thousands searching for relatives in the rubble in Gaza will welcome the long-overdue ceasefire for which there has been such a heavy price paid."President Higgins quoted both the Israeli peace activist Maoz Inon and the Palestinian peace activist Aziz Abu Sarah who, he said, while each carrying a near-unbearable grief, were asking people to listen to each of those who turned their backs, were removed from the building by her statement, Dana Erlich expressed specific concern at this. "It was shocking to observe that attendees from the Jewish and Israeli community in Ireland, who chose to express disagreement with the president's comments in a dignified a non-disruptive manner where forcibly removed from the memorial event and refused entry for the remainder of the commemoration."She described it as an "ugly and regrettable scene" which has been viewed with "disbelief and disgust"."Sadly, the concerns of the Irish Jewish and Israeli communities about Ireland becoming a hostile place... are not being addressed sufficiently," she added. 'Regrettable scene' Meanwhile, The Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris expressed his support for Michael D Higgins who he said was "right" to to mention the Middle East during his speech at the Holocaust Harris told reporters in Brussels that he thought the president was "clear in relation to obviously specific issues regarding the Holocaust and his absolute condemnation of the horror, the murder of the Jewish people, but also, I think, rightly mentioning the situation in the Middle East as well but also calling very much for hostages to be released".Harris said he was conscious it is a "very, very sensitive time" and he didn't wish to say anything to distract from tánaiste (deputy prime minister) added he was "not sure" if the president's speech was vetted by the Department of Foreign Affairs prior to delivery The president had rejected an earlier call from Dana Erlich to withdraw from giving a speech at the event following an accusation that he helped to nurture the "anti-Israeli atmosphere" in month, Israel's foreign minister announced that the country's embassy in Dublin would close over "the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government".This followed the recognition of a Palestinian state by Ireland, along with Norway and Spain, in May last Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Harris said the decision by Israel to close its Irish embassy is "deeply regrettable".He also rejected that Ireland is anti-Israel.
The Independent
26-01-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
First and deputy First Ministers pause to remember Holocaust
Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Minister have paused to remember the Holocaust. Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday, Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly attended an event in Belfast to remember millions of victims and survivors. The event at Belfast City Hall also marked the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia and was attended by members of the local Jewish community and representatives of other faith groups and minority ethnic communities. I am honoured to be part of the Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration. As we pause to remember the past, we resolve to shine a light on suffering and injustice wherever it occurs today Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill Around 300 people gathered on Thursday evening for the Regional Commemoration, hosted by The Executive Office in conjunction with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and Belfast City Council. They heard from Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos who was a child in 1944 when, along with his family, he was deported to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. He urged a message of hope that even in the darkest of times people should not lose faith in a better future. Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly also spoke at the event. The First Minister said: 'I am honoured to be part of the Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration. As we pause to remember the past, we resolve to shine a light on suffering and injustice wherever it occurs today.' The deputy First Minister said: 'Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us that we must not be complacent in the face of prejudice. 'Sadly, we see the same hate and prejudice that fuelled the evil acts of the Holocaust in too many places today. We must stand united against this.' Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, said they were delighted to work again with the Stormont Executive in commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day in this significant anniversary year. 'This year's theme, 'For a Better Future', reminds us that building a world free from hate and intolerance is our responsibility,' she said. 'As we gather in communities across the country, let us remember our duty to honour the victims and survivors by taking action – challenging prejudice and fostering understanding across generations and communities. 'By learning from the horrors of the past, we can create a present where freedom is cherished, protected, and enjoyed by every single person.'
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
First and deputy First Ministers pause to remember holocaust
Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Minister have paused to remember the holocaust. Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday, Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly attended an event in Belfast to remember millions of victims and survivors. The event at Belfast City Hall also marked the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia and was attended by members of the local Jewish community and representatives of other faith groups and minority ethnic communities. Around 300 people gathered on Thursday evening for the Regional Commemoration, hosted by The Executive Office in conjunction with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and Belfast City Council. They heard from Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos who was a child in 1944 when, along with his family, he was deported to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. He urged a message of hope that even in the darkest of times people should not lose faith in a better future. Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly also spoke at the event. The First Minister said: 'I am honoured to be part of the Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration. As we pause to remember the past, we resolve to shine a light on suffering and injustice wherever it occurs today.' The deputy First Minister said: 'Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us that we must not be complacent in the face of prejudice. 'Sadly, we see the same hate and prejudice that fuelled the evil acts of the Holocaust in too many places today. We must stand united against this.' Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, said they were delighted to work again with the Stormont Executive in commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day in this significant anniversary year. 'This year's theme, 'For a Better Future', reminds us that building a world free from hate and intolerance is our responsibility,' she said. 'As we gather in communities across the country, let us remember our duty to honour the victims and survivors by taking action – challenging prejudice and fostering understanding across generations and communities. 'By learning from the horrors of the past, we can create a present where freedom is cherished, protected, and enjoyed by every single person.'
