Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called for a controversial proposal to rename a Dublin park to be withdrawn entirely, labelling the motion as divisive and antisemitic.
Political Condemnation of Renaming Motion
The Irish premier issued a strong statement on Sunday, ahead of an expected vote by Dublin city councillors on Monday. The proposal concerns Herzog Park in south Dublin, which is named after Chaim Herzog.
Mr Martin stated unequivocally, "The proposal to rename Herzog Park should be withdrawn in its entirety and not proceeded with." He argued that the motion would effectively erase the rich and distinctive contributions of the Jewish community to Irish society.
"The proposal is a denial of our history and will without any doubt be seen as antisemitic," the Taoiseach asserted. He emphasised that the Irish Jewish community's role in the nation's evolution, including participation in the War of Independence, should be cherished, not erased.
International Concern and Family Legacy
The potential renaming has drawn concern from Israel. The Office of the President of Israel released a statement on social media platform X on Saturday, expressing alarm over the intention to "harm the legacy" of Chaim Herzog.
Chaim Herzog, who was born in Belfast and raised in Dublin, served as the sixth President of Israel from 1983 to 1993. His father, Rabbi Isaac HaLevi Herzog, was the first chief rabbi of the Irish Free State.
The statement from the office of current Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Chaim's son, described the potential renaming as a "shameful and disgraceful move." It highlighted Chaim Herzog's legacy as a liberator of Europe from the Nazis and a champion of tolerance and the fight against antisemitism.
Broad Government Opposition
The Taoiseach's position is supported by other senior Irish government figures. Tánaiste Simon Harris stated on social media that he "completely opposes" the plans, calling the proposal offensive to the principle of an inclusive republic.
Similarly, Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister, Helen McEntee, sought to distinguish the park's name from contemporary political criticism of Israel. She stated that while the government has been critical of Israeli policies in Gaza, renaming the park to remove the name of an Irish Jewish man has no place in the republic and should not proceed.
All eyes are now on Dublin City Council as councillors prepare to vote on a motion that has ignited a significant debate about history, heritage, and identity in Ireland.
