Statement by Minister Helen McEntee following the publishing of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland (JRCI) Antisemitic Incident Report
Today’s report from the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland is a sobering reminder of the increase we are experiencing in the scourge of antisemitism, both here in Ireland and internationally. The report provides a clear and undeniable picture of the difficult situation currently experienced by Ireland’s Jewish communities. It provides details of an alarming number of 143 antisemitic incidents over a six month period, including 36 incidents where there were threats or intimidation of Jewish or Israeli people.
This is completely unacceptable in the modern, inclusive republic we aspire to, and I condemn these incidents unreservedly.
I want to express my thanks to the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland for their work delivering this important report and for bringing it to the attention for the Government and the wider public.
This Government is committed to countering all forms of antisemitism and all forms of racism. The Programme for Government sets out a clear commitment to implement the EU declaration on ‘Fostering Jewish Life in Europe’ and to give effect to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance ‘Working Definition of Antisemitism’.
I note the prevalence of Holocaust Denial and Distortion among the incidents reported. Last month I was pleased to announce further funding to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation to provide free virtual tours to all secondary schools in Ireland to promote education and awareness of the Holocaust.
I am committed to bringing greater focus to our collective work to eliminate antisemitism in all its forms.
