Does Ireland have an anti-Semitism problem?

Authorities and civil society groups have reported a worldwide surge in anti-Semitism since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, with notable rises in anti-Semitic incidents in France, Germany, the US, Canada and the UK. In Vienna, where Jews were once persecuted, a Jewish cemetery was recently burned, while in France, anti-Semitic incidents have nearly tripled in number compared to last year.

But what about here in Ireland – a country that has been labelled by some as anti-Semitic due to its pro-Palestinian sentiment and criticism of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.

Historically, this country does not have a great track record when it comes to its treatment of Jews, but is anti-Semitism a problem in 21st century Ireland?

Chairman of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland Maurice Cohen and former associate professor of sociology at Trinity College Ronit Lentin join the podcast to discuss the differences between anti-Israeli sentiment and anti-Semitism, and reflect on Ireland’s relationship with Jewish people.