Higgins Slams Anti-Semitism Accusations: 'Slander Against Ireland'

President Higgins Condemns Anti-Semitism Accusations: 'Disgrace and Slander Against Ireland' Ireland - President Michael D. Higgins has strongly condemned the practice of labeling critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies as anti-Semitic. Speaking at the Bord Bia Bloom event, President Higgins stated, "If you criticize Netanyahu's policies, you are then described as being anti-Semitic. That is a disgrace and a slander." This statement highlights a growing concern about the silencing of legitimate criticism through accusations of anti-semitism. President Higgins's remarks underscore the Irish public's deep understanding of Middle Eastern affairs. He linked this understanding to the experiences of Irish families whose sons and daughters participated in peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and other regions. These peacekeepers, upon returning home, shared their firsthand accounts, fostering a more informed public discourse. The President's words resonate with the ongoing tensions in the region and the importance of open dialogue. His condemnation serves as a powerful statement against the misuse of accusations of anti-semitism to stifle dissent. The incident underscores the need for respectful and informed debate on complex geopolitical issues.