The Taoiseach has described an accusation that he is antisemitic as “just absurd”.
Today in Washington, Micheál Martin met the American Jewish Committee (AJC) which has grave concerns about “pervasive” anti-Jewish racism in Ireland.
In the meeting, AJC Director of International Jewish Affairs Rabbi Andrew Baker raised Ireland’s “vilification” of Israel, President Higgins’ “attacks” on Israel and the Taoiseach’s “deeply problematic remarks”.
“The Prime Minister has accused Israel of committing war crimes, pursuing ‘collective punishment of the Palestinian people,’ as well as using ‘starvation as a weapon of war,’” the AJC said in a statement afterwards.
“Baker explained that these actions and statements are contributing to antisemitism facing Ireland’s Jews and separating Ireland from nearly all of its European neighbours and urged him to pull back from the country’s ICJ engagement.
“The Prime Minister took note of this but gave no indication that the policy would change.
“Should these actions and statements continue, AJC will advocate for the U.S. government to take serious action in response.”
Today, AJC Director of International Jewish Affairs Rabbi Andrew Baker and ADL Senior Vice President for International Affairs, Ambassador @_MarinaRos, met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin during his official visit to Washington to directly address concerns about… pic.twitter.com/fCdRry6lAG
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) March 14, 2025
In response to the accusation that he is antisemitic, Mr Martin said his belief in a two state solution is mainstream within the international community.
“That’s the majority view of the vast majority of the countries of the world that there should be a two state solution,” he said.
“It’s the UN position and Ireland has always adopted the principles of the UN in respect of the Middle East.
“And it’s just absurd that you would label somebody antisemitic for being in favour of the principles of the UN in respect of an application to the Middle East.”
According to the AJC, Mr Martin also promised to appoint a national coordinator to combat antisemitism.
Main image: Split of Micheál Martin and a man wearing a kippah. Pictures by RollingNews.ie and Alamy.com
