Reimagining the Jews of Ireland?

Screenshot of book published by Trinity College, Dublin.

Reimagining the Jews of Ireland is the rather over-optimistic title of an academic book published by Trinity College, Dublin. The aforementioned book looks at key areas such as Irish Jewish historiography, communal traditions, antisemitism, nationalism (Jewish and Irish) and representations in popular media.

All rather ironic, in the light of Trinity College’s ‘Academics for Palestine’ promoting a sectarian push to initiate an apartheid academia, regarding Israel. Their statement of intent includes:

“We aim to organise and publicise meetings, discussions and events on campuses across the island of Ireland, to keep signatories informed about ongoing developments in Palestine/Israel, and to encourage unions and academic bodies in Ireland to take a leading role in the academic boycott of Israel”

But wait, there’s even more toxic Irish antisemitism!

Last May (2024) the Book of Kells exhibition and all of the Trinity College campus, were closed to the public because of the ongoing pro-Palestinian student protest camp taking place on its grounds.

President of Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) László Molnárfi, said the demonstration would continue “indefinitely until our demands are met”. Students had put the encampment in place, and by the Trinity BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanctions) group. Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign also supported the Trinity College protest.

The college attempted to fine the Students Union €214k (US$ 231k) – which represented around 20% of the union’s total annual income. This fine was in relation to loss of earnings from tourists not being able to buy entrance into the Book of Kells display and the Instagram-iconic Long Room Library.

But, as with most of these “get tough” headline-grabbing statements, Trinity College caved in mere days and became a skittish kitten in the face of “demands”

What did the august seat of academia “demand” in return? I’m guessing nothing…So, how will that large financial loss for Trinity College get clawed back? Who knows?

But there have been other consequences for the “velvet glove” approach to antisemitic protestors. Following in the footsteps of American Ivy League major benefactors, The Maurice Abrahamson Bursary, a ten year law scholarship bursary for disadvantaged students, was threatened to be withdrawn. This followed the College’s commitment to divest from Israel, on top of there being “No duty of care was shown towards its Jewish students or donors.”

In response to that fiscal rebuke, the college authorities sprang into action.

That was then but this is now. Mere weeks after that debacle, the Irish government “recognised” Palestine, along with Spain and Norway. Next up is the proposed Occupied Territories Bill – targeting any goods and services produced in land occupied by Israel in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the Golan Heights, illegal under international law.

Is Ireland’s mostly despicable attitude to Judaism and Israel going “back to the future”? Time will tell. A look back in history is very sobering for inclusive-minded Irish people. Ireland has long been a “cold house” for Jews.

Screenshot from No More Blooms documentary, quoting Ireland’s government policy during WW2

A sobering summary of Ireland’s antisemitism is the disturbing documentary: No More Blooms – Ireland’s Attitude to the Jewish Refugee Problem  – 1933 to 1946. That film was first broadcast on RTE, Ireland’s national TV broadcaster in 1997. It forces us to face up to the pernicious aspects of Ireland’s unwelcoming attitude to Jews during the Second World War. https://youtu.be/Aho0A-PlEI0?si=Xx_8B6xD81cEqULl

Not all is lost however – there is a deep seam of sympathy for Jewish people and Israel among the minority demographic of evangelical and Pentecostal Christians in Ireland.

“Christian supporters of Israel in Ireland sense a deep shame regarding the actions of our government in recognising a state of Palestine under the present circumstances,” said Paul Coulter, national director of ICEJ-Ireland.

Perhaps, those pro-Israel advocating Gentile Christians will also be counted alongside Malachi’s “God-fearing men….those who feared the Lord and for those who valued His name highly?”