Photo Courtesy : Céad Míle Flags
In recent years, many Irish people of all ages and backgrounds increasingly have one thing in common – standing in solidarity with Gaza and Palestinians.
From large-scale marches through the city centre to local fundraisers and solidarity vigils, Irish people are voicing their concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Ireland has long held a unique position in global solidarity movements, shaped by the country’s own history of colonialism and conflict.
Many Irish people see parallels between their past and the Palestinian struggle.
That sense of shared history continues to resonate, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly vocal on issues of global justice.
There are many fundraising groups such as Irish Queers for Palestine, Irish Artists for Palestine, GAA for Palestine.
Earlier this month, Electric Picnic festival saw many artists, both Irish and international, vocalising their support.
Artists such as Kneecap, Hozier, Becky Hill, and Girls Don’t Sync all paid massive tributes to Palestine and the festival was packed with red, green, black and white flags.
Photo Courtesy of Jack Maguire
Among many groups are ‘Irish Sport for Palestine’, who are currently pushing the following narrative; “Show Israel the red card”.
The group describes themselves as egalitarian, anti-sectarian, anti-racist, and all-Ireland based.
“We started the group as many Irish sports figures, and indeed sports fans, were and continue to be opposed to Israeli apartheid, genocide and occupation,” spokesperson Joanne McDonald said.
“There was a collective understanding that we needed to add voices from sport to demand a ceasefire and end the brutal occupation of Palestine,” she said.
“Israel is a terror state and sport sanctions need to be applied”
Joanne McDonald of Irish Sport for Palestine
The group has come together with Bohemian FC and Fairsquare to call for UEFA to suspend Israel’s football association (FA).
They are fighting for this as Israel’s FA is breaking UEFA and FIFA rules by facilitating clubs operating in illegal West Bank settlements and failing to stop racist and violent chants targeting Palestinians.
They explain that the bigger picture is how the United Nations has found Israel guilty of committing genocide in Gaza.
“Football cannot ignore these violations while Palestinians are starved, displaced and killed,” said McDonald.
A recent campaign – Photo Courtesy : Irish Sport for Palestine
Another Irish support group is ‘Céad Míle Flags’.
They aim to “re-claim” the Irish tricolour flag from the recent popularity of using it in anti-immigrant and far-right protests across the country.
€10 of every purchase of their Palestine flag gets donated to the Irish Red Cross Gaza Crisis Appeal. They also have options of Ukrainian-Irish hybrid flags or Indian-Irish flags.
They are also made with 40% recyclable materials and the flags are 100% recyclable and you can click here if you want to see more of their products on Instagram.
In big ways and small, across cities, towns, and rural communities, MANY Irish people are showing up for Palestine, not just in protest, but in both creativity and compassion.
Whether it’s musicians on festival stages, sports fans calling for justice on the pitch, or young artists sewing flags from recyclable fabric, support for the Palestinians remains a popular cause.
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