The European country that hates Israel: "It's an obsession with them"

An N12 magazine article examines Ireland's deep hostility toward Israel, manifested in boycotting a soccer match and not broadcasting Eurovision. The article outlines the historical background of Irish identification with the Palestinians, and presents Ireland's self-perception as the world's "knight of human rights," while quoting diplomats and Israelis living in the country.

An N12 magazine article examines Ireland's deep hostility toward Israel, manifested in two main events: the boycott of a soccer match between the Irish national team and Israel, which was moved to an empty stadium in Serbia, and the boycott of the Eurovision competition by the Irish broadcaster for the second consecutive year. The article outlines the historical background of Irish identification with the Palestinians, drawing a comparison to "British colonialism" in Ireland. Former ambassador Liron Bar-Sadeh explains that the Irish see the Palestinians as a reflection of themselves, and that this identification has become part of Ireland's moral identity. Inbal Goldberger, an Israeli living in Dublin, describes how support for the Palestinians has become the local equivalent of politeness, and how it permeates political, media, and academic institutions. However, a gap is noted between the official stance and personal attitudes on the street, where the Irish are described as "super nice."