Michael Herzog Condemns Dublin’s Plan to Rename Park Honoring His Father

Michael Herzog, son of the late Chaim Herzog, has publicly criticized the Dublin City Council’s (DCC) proposal to rename Herzog Park, located in Rathgar, to Hind Rajab Park. The proposal, initiated by Sinn Féin councillor Kourtney Kenny, aims to honor a six-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed during an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Michael Herzog’s comments highlight concerns about the perceived shift in Ireland’s stance regarding its Jewish historical figures.

Chaim Herzog, who served as Israel’s president from 1983 to 1993, was born in Belfast and raised in Dublin. His legacy in Ireland is significant, as he is recognized as a prominent Jewish figure who fought against Nazism during World War II. The South East Area Committee of the DCC passed the motion to remove Herzog’s name from the park last December, with only one objection. A discussion on the proposal is scheduled for December 1, 2024, where the council will also consider a consultation process for selecting a new name.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Michael Herzog expressed his dismay over the move, stating, “Ireland is actively turning its Jewish historical figures from being a source of pride to Dublin to being a source of denial.” He noted that his father’s contributions to both Ireland and Israel have been overshadowed by the current political climate. Michael Herzog highlighted the historical significance of his father, whose father, Rabbi Isaac Herzog, was the first Chief Rabbi of Ireland and a supporter of Irish nationalism.

“It is painful to witness Ireland becoming the scene of raging antisemitism,” Michael Herzog added. “Ireland is now one of the most virulent anti-Israel countries in Europe, blurring the line between criticising Israeli policies and questioning Israel’s right to exist.”

In response to the DCC’s proposal, Isaac Herzog, currently serving as Israel’s president and Michael’s brother, referred to the plans as “shameful and disgraceful.” The sentiment was echoed by South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who criticized Ireland’s stance on Israel, suggesting it reflects a broader trend of antisemitism in the country. “When you think it couldn’t get any worse in Ireland regarding animosity toward Israel and the Jewish people, it just did,” he stated on X.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, also condemned the DCC’s decision, labeling it “an incredible insult” to the Herzog family. Huckabee called for “decent Irish people” to oppose what he termed “madness.” Former Justice Minister Alan Shatter described the motion as an “antisemitic purge” aimed at erasing Jewish history in Ireland.

The response from Irish officials has been varied. Tánaiste Simon Harris criticized the proposal, stating that it was “offensive” to Ireland’s reputation as an inclusive republic. Justice Minister Helen McEntee defended Chaim Herzog’s legacy, asserting that the motion is “nothing to do” with Ireland’s historical criticism of Israeli actions towards Palestinians.

As the Dublin City Council prepares to debate the future of Herzog Park, the implications of renaming the park extend beyond local politics, touching on deeper issues of identity, history, and the evolving discourse surrounding Israel and Palestine. The outcome of this proposal may reflect broader sentiments within Ireland regarding its Jewish community and its historical figures.