Dublin's Herzog Park row: President of Israel's office says relationship with Ireland has 'deteriorated'
The President of Israel has said any move by Dublin City Council to rename a park named in honour of his Belfast-born father would be a “shameful and disgraceful move”.
In a statement on X, the office of current Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the son of Chaim Herzog, said it was “following with concern” the reports from Ireland.
It said that there was an “intention to harm the legacy of the sixth president of the state of Israel… as well as harming the unique expression of the historical connection between the Irish and Jewish peoples”.
A spokesperson added: “Beyond being an Israeli leader, Chaim Herzog was also a hero of the campaign to liberate Europe from the Nazis and a figure who dedicated his life to establishing the values of freedom, tolerance, the pursuit of peace and the fight against antisemitism.
“His father, Rabbi Isaac HaLevi Herzog, served as the first chief rabbi of the Irish Free State and left a significant mark on the life of the Irish nation in those days.
“Naming the park after his son some three decades ago expressed appreciation for his legacy and the deep friendship between the Irish and Jewish peoples.”
The statement said the relationship had “deteriorated in recent years”.
It added: “We still hope for the recovery of these important ties.
“Removing the Herzog name, if it happens, would be a shameful and disgraceful move.
“We hope that the legacy of a figure at the forefront of establishing the relations between Israel and Ireland, and the fight against antisemitism and tyranny, will still get the respect it deserves today.”
Ireland’s condemnation of Israel over the conflict with Hamas in Gaza has led to increased tensions between the nations. Dublin is currently debating proposals to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories.
In the summer, an Ulster Unionist MLA branded the proposed laws “the most draconian anti-Jewish legislation in Europe since the Nuremberg Laws”.
Reacting to the Irish plans, prominent US Senator Jim Risch said the Republic is “on a hateful, anti-semitic path that will only lead to self-inflicted economic suffering”.