Bride and groom join pro-Palestine protest in Dublin

A bride and groom from Dublin joined a demonstration outside Leinster House in support of a bill proposing economic sanctions on Israel. Ellen Malone and Roberto Macari attended in their wedding attire as the bill came before the Dáil. The Sanctions Against the State of Israel Bill would prohibit all trade, investment, financial dealings, and state-linked economic activity with Israel. The couple said events in Palestine put other priorities into perspective and expressed support for the cause. Mrs Macari also hoped Dr Margaret Connolly would be released from Israeli detention. Dr Connolly is among at least 14 Irish people held after their boats were intercepted during the global sumud flotilla. The Foreign Affairs Minister said the government does not support a blanket prohibition approach, while noting individuals and organizations can decide independently.

"A bride and groom joined a demonstration in support of a bill that proposes economic sanctions on Israel in Dublin on Tuesday. Newlyweds Ellen Malone and Roberto Macari from Dublin stopped by the rally outside Leinster House in their suit and gown. The protest was organised by People Before Profit as their bill, the Sanctions Against the State of Israel Bill, came before the Dail. It proposes to prohibit all trade, investment, financial dealings and state-linked economic activity with Israel."

"What is happening in Palestine "puts into perspective what's really important", the new Mrs Macari said. Mr Macari said: "We're known as the nation that's been through similar ... it's always good to show your support." The couple are "with each other" on the subject, he added. Mrs Macari also said she hoped Dr Margaret Connolly, the Irish president's sister, would be released from Israeli detention."

"Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee previously told the Dail the sanctions bill would amount to a blanket prohibition on trade in all goods and certain services between Ireland and Israel. "The Government does not support that approach, although we fully recognise the right of individuals and indeed organisations to make their own decisions in this regard," she said. A previous separate bill, the Occupied Territories Bill, which would ban trade from illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, has not been enacted despite being proposed in 2018."

Read at Irish Independent