DUBLIN, 27 October (H.S.): Jewish leaders in Ireland called for constructive dialogue with newly elected President Catherine Connolly, urging her to act as a unifying figure despite widespread concern over her history of anti-Israel rhetoric.

Connolly, backed by a coalition of left-wing parties, won a decisive victory over the weekend to become the nation’s tenth president.Connolly’s election has been met with apprehension by the Jewish community due to her past statements. She has previously described the Hamas terrorist organization as part of the fabric of the Palestinian people and has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, while also labeling it a terrorist state.

In October 2021, she claimed in parliament that Israel was seeking to accomplish Jewish supremacy.Despite this background, Jewish community leaders have extended congratulations and expressed hope for engagement.

Ireland’s Chief Rabbi, Yoni Wieder, acknowledged the concerns within our community but urged President Connolly to engage directly with Ireland’s Jewish community, to hear our concerns and to better understand how the conflict continues to affect our small community here.

Similarly, Maurice Cohen, chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, emphasized that the presidency represents all the people of Ireland and is a symbol of unity, conscience, and compassion. He stated that the Jewish community looks forward to working constructively with the President.

Connolly, 68, will succeed Michael Higgins, whose own tenure was marked by controversial statements against Israel. Higgins had previously accused Israel of gross defamation for calling the Irish people antisemitic and criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged breaches of international law. He also used a Holocaust Remembrance Day speech to critique Israel.

These incidents have contributed to a strained relationship, with some commentators labeling Ireland as highly critical of Israel within Europe.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar