By an Irish-American socialist

There is a transition taking place in the consciousness of a great number of people who oppose Israeli Apartheid and belligerence to not shirk from accusations of anti-semitism. Rather, they tend to actually wear that label as a badge of honor. This is complex and contradictory because it combines genuine anti-Semitism with legitimate hatred of imperialism. This is particularly true for the Irish people and Irish Americans. And bear in mind, many Americans claim Irish heritage. Even quintessentially Black Americans like Barack Obama and Lenard McKelvey claim Irish heritage.

This might come as a shock or even a disturbance to some, but it is important to remember: the Irish, generally speaking, hate imperialism in all its forms and are often sympathetic to those who resist it by any means necessary. The hatred stems from the centuries-long resistance to British colonialism in Ireland.

This anti-imperialist sentiment is especially visible in Irish attitudes towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many Irish take the parallels between Ireland’s struggle for independence from British colonialism and the plight of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation extremely seriously. Just as the Irish fight against the British presence in Ireland and for the right to self-determination, they see in the Palestinian struggle a reflection of their own historical experience of displacement, military occupation, and resistance.

This history becomes particularly relevant when considering the situation in Lebanon. After Israel invaded Lebanon in 1978, the UN Security Council created the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with the stated purpose of “confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restoring international peace and security and assisting the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area” (UN Security Council Resolution 425). Ongoing hostilities and the continued presence of Israeli forces north of the Blue Line that demarcates the internationally recognized border have made that interim period last until present day. 

Irish troops have been a contingent of the Force since its formation, and their presence has had a significant impact on the region. Irish peacekeepers are so ubiquitous in Southern Lebanon that many in the area speak English with Irish accents. This made the Government of Ireland feel particularly targeted when Israel made a veiled threat in the form of a request for UNIFIL to leave while Israel began its latest incursion. Some defended this by mischaracterizing UNIFIL as a force that has failed in its mission to eliminate Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon, conveniently forgetting that its primary reason for existing is to keep Israel out. This threat was followed up with a warning shot that injured 2 peacekeepers. A US foreign policy expert with the ear of the White House called for the Irish troops to be carpet bombed and napalmed.

I spoke with someone whose close relative is serving with the Irish peacekeeping force about how the troops are feeling in light of this terror, and his response was shocking on its face but ultimately unsurprising when considered in the context of Irish history. In his estimation, the troops are “ready to die if that’s what it takes to resist Israel. They are not going to abandon their duty even if that becomes death, and if they fall at the hands of bloodthirsty colonizers Ireland will celebrate them joining the ranks of Irish heroes.”

It’s uncommon to hear white people in the first world talk this way, but from the Irish perspective this proclivity for martyrdom in defiance of imperialist oppression is not uncommon or bizarre. While the troops are not suicidal, they understand the serious effect their killing would have on Israel. Ireland is already making moves to scuttle an EU trade deal that would have a significant effect on ensuring Israel’s economic recovery, and the question of Ireland’s role in allowing a transatlantic submarine power cable with extreme strategic importance to NATO is not a settled matter. If Irish peacekeepers are directly killed by Israel it will consume Irish consciousness, both on the island and in the diaspora.

Zionists, as of late, are extremely comfortable characterizing attitudes of resentment or repulsion towards Israeli policy as “anti-semitic.” These accusations are usually baseless and are an attempt to muddy the waters or deflect from legitimate criticisms of criminal behavior,  but after speaking with Irish people in particular and “goyim” more generally, I have come to a conclusion that Jews may find disturbing, but should recognize as a legitimate threat originating in Israel’s actions.

Israel and its supporters claim that that country represents all Jews around the world. To the extent that their claim is accepted, in the minds of some people Jews are associated   with the most heinous policies of Israel.. This is having the simultaneous effect of making committed critics of Israel find more reasons to hate Jews in general. . These attitudes are not morally legitimate, but as long as the distinction is not drawn they will take root and grow.

 Many Irish people are fundamentally angry and spiteful,  capable of holding grudges that will outlast the heat death of the sun. Any actions seen as unforgivable will be treated as such, and the general position towards Israelis will reflect what has already been stated on the floor of the Irish assembly: “May you and your Pharoah Government burn in hell.”