[Livia]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

Ireland is not anti-semitic. Being against what's happening in Israel/Palestine doesn't mean we're against Jewish people. Regarding what you posted about Hitler, that's a very out of context statement to make

This controversial act, one of the most controversial things de Valera ever did, has been regularly resurrected in the decades since, with some using it to suggest that he was pro-Nazi.

In fact, he was anything but and the story is a bit more complicated than some would have you believe, though you would be hard put to find anyone, then or since, who thought de Valera’s condolences were a good idea.

Context of course is key. Ireland was neutral in World War II (or, as it was termed here, 'the Emergency’), and although favourably disposed to the Allies and giving them considerable assistance behind the scenes, de Valera insisted on strict adherence to the formalities of neutrality.

So, while Allied airmen who crash-landed in Ireland were allowed to escape across the Border to Northern Ireland, while Germans were interned for the duration, this wasn’t admitted in public.

https://www.rte.ie/news/analysis-and...tler-analysis/

I'm not sure adhering to the formalities of neutrality extended to sending condolences for a man who murdered 30 million people in concentration camps alone. I know that Ireland assisted the allies in some ways and lots of Irishmen joined the allies and fought the Nazis. That doesn't excuse some if the more questionable things Ireland's government did and said.

I believe Ireland does lean toward the anti-Semitic. It's my personal belief. There are many accounts from Irish Jews and their experiences of anti-Semitism. Israel thinks Ireland could be the most anti-Semitic country in the West. That's not to say I believe all the Irish people are all anti-Semites. I got nothing but good natured welcomes in from absolutely everyone I met Ireland, but then I don't really "look Jewish".

I've sat on this forum and read all kinds of comments about England and the UK and how awful it is and has been in the past, about the terrible things the government has said and done, including our quite shameful history with Ireland. I can't argue with it. That doesn't mean every English man and woman is complicit in the bad things my country has done, indeed, I acknowledge them and regret them. No country is perfect, including Ireland. But that doesn't mean the general population is responsible. We could both post lots of counter arguments that'd get us nowhere. My post was not a dig at you, nor the majority of the Irish public and I hope you can accept that.