We stand over our support for the proposal to remove the name Herzog Park from this public space in Dublin.
We reject absolutely all attempts to smear anti-racist councillors, campaigners, and members of the public as anti-Semitic because they oppose Zionism, occupation, and the genocide of Palestinians.
Our objection was always to honouring Chaim Herzog as a public figure. Public spaces in our city should not commemorate people associated with the violent dispossession and slaughter of Palestinians and the building and defence of the Zionist state. That is a political and moral judgement, not a religious prejudice.
The campaign to rename the park came from ordinary Dubliners, driven by Irish Sport for Palestine and 1815 FC. It was driven by campaigners and the enormous public revulsion at what has been done to the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza. It reflected the views of thousands of people that our city’s public spaces should not celebrate figures connected to oppression and colonisation.
We also reject the equation of Zionism and Judaism. Jewish opinion is not monolithic in Ireland or anywhere else. Many Jewish people over many years have stood in solidarity with Palestine and have themselves rejected the cynical misuse of anti-Semitism allegations to silence criticism of Israel.
The hurtful and scurrilous accusations made against councillors and campaigners in this debate have trivialised real anti-Semitism. Real anti-Semitism exists, and it must be challenged head-on wherever it appears, particularly where it comes from the far right and from racist conspiracy politics. It should never be weaponised to shield a state, an ideology or a historical figure from legitimate criticism.
We recognise and respect the place of the Jewish community in the life of this city. That is precisely why councillors supportive of renaming have suggested that any future name could honour the contribution of Jewish Dubliners directly, rather than continuing to honour a man guilty of some of the gravest crimes against humanity.
The apology that has now been issued for hurt caused during the renaming process should not be used to rewrite the substance of the issue. The flawed process is one matter, the political principle is another. We continue to believe that Herzog’s name should be removed from this park, and that Dublin’s place names should reflect the democratic values, anti-racist traditions and international solidarity of the people of this city.
Signed:
Cllr Conor Reddy - People Before Profit - Commemorations and Naming Committee member
Cllr Cieran Perry - Independent - Commemorations and Naming Committee member
Cllr Nial Ring - Independent - Commemorations and Naming Committee member
Cllr Mannix Flynn - Independent - Commemorations and Naming Committee member
Cllr Vincent Jackson - Independent - Commemorations and Naming Committee member
Cllr Pat Dunne - Independent
Cllr John Lyons - Independent
Cllr Christy Burke - Independent
Cllr Kevin Breen - Independent
Cllr Hazel De Nortúin - People Before Profit