'Overtly divisive and wrong' - Taoiseach calls on proposal to rename Dublin's Herzog Park to be withdrawn, as US and Israeli officials criticise move

""The proposal would erase the distinctive and rich contribution to Irish life of the Jewish communities over many decades, including actual participation in the Irish War of Independence and the emerging State," Mr Martin said in a statement. Expressing concern that the move would be interpreted by Jews at home and abroad as antisemitic, he warned against a "denial of our history"."

"A meeting of Dublin City Council on Monday, December 1 is scheduled to debate the proposal to remove the park's existing name and to hold a consultation process on choosing a new name for the park. Mr Martin has added to a chorus of critics, both in against and in support of Israel's actions in Gaza, urging DCC to end the plans. US Senator Lindsey Graham has also spoken out, calling modern Ireland 'a cesspool of antisemitism'"

Herzog Park in the Rathgar suburb of Dublin was named for Chaim Herzog, who was born in Belfast, raised in Dublin and later served as president of Israel. A June 2024 motion by a Sinn Féin councillor proposed renaming the park Hind Rajab Park to commemorate a six-year-old Palestinian killed in Gaza when the car she was travelling in was shelled by IDF. The South East Area Committee passed the motion with one objection. Dublin City Council scheduled a December 1 debate and consultation. The Taoiseach urged the council to end the plans, warning of erasing Jewish contributions and fostering allegations of antisemitism; public figures including Michael Herzog and US Senator Lindsey Graham criticised the move.

Read at Irish Independent