Statement of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland Chairperson on the closure of Israel’s embassy in Dublin

“As Chairperson of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, I am deeply concerned by the deterioration in relations between Ireland and Israel, culminating in the recent announcement by Israel’s Foreign Minister of plans to close the Israeli Embassy in Ireland. This follows the Irish government’s intervention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alongside South Africa.

While Ireland has always championed human rights and the rule of law, this intervention risks oversimplifying a highly complex and tragic conflict, unfairly isolating Israel, and undermining the integrity of the term “genocide.” Ireland’s moral voice carries weight globally, and it is crucial that it reflects a fair and balanced approach, fostering dialogue rather than deepening division.

The closure of the Israeli Embassy in Ireland is particularly distressing for the Jewish community in Ireland, which has grown and diversified significantly in recent years. Many members of our community were born in Israel and have since taken out Irish citizenship, forming an integral part of Irish society. For these individuals, the closure of the embassy represents not only a symbolic blow but also a practical disadvantage. Consular services provided by the embassy are vital for those maintaining connections with family, culture, and heritage in Israel. Losing this resource will leave many feeling unsupported and aggrieved.

Diplomatic missions play a critical role in building understanding, providing essential services, and maintaining communication even during times of political tension. Closing the embassy risks alienating a significant segment of Irish society and sends a message that dialogue is being replaced by disengagement.

The Jewish Representative Council of Ireland reaffirms its commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of innocent lives on all sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We also stand firmly in support of Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorism and existential threats while emphasizing the necessity of protecting all civilians.

We call on both the Irish and Israeli governments to seek pathways to rebuild trust and to ensure that avenues for diplomatic engagement remain open. Ireland has the potential to play a constructive role on the global stage, and it is our hope that this potential will be directed toward fostering understanding and reconciliation.

It is regrettable that circumstances have led the Israeli Government to believe that closing the Embassy in Dublin is the best course of action. It will have a deeply personal impact on many Irish citizens with Israeli roots, including members of our own community. It is crucial that both governments recognize the broader implications of their decisions, not just for bilateral relations but for the people they affect directly.

Let us choose engagement over estrangement, dialogue over division, and the pursuit of peace over polarizing actions.”

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