"We have been through a difficult and traumatic period since October 7, you and us."
Embassy of Ireland in Natia / Yoav Lin, KKL-Junk photo archive
Ireland has never been a clear supporter of Israel, and recently disputes have arisen between the countries - from criticism of the war, demonstrations against Israel, a shameful incident at a basketball game and also an unfortunate statement by the Irish Prime Minister about 9-year-old Emily Hand, who ignored being kidnapped.
However, Ireland's ambassador to Israel Sonia McGuinness planted a tree today (Sunday) at a ceremony of the Kimat Israel Fund in the Ben Shemen forest, as a symbol of the strengthening of relations between the two countries.
At the time of the planting, Sonia McGuinness, the Irish ambassador to Israel, shared, "We have been through a difficult and traumatic period since October 7, you and we as guests of the state. This morning we think about the fact that the land was here before us and will remain after us. When we stand here together in peace, we remember that this is the that unites us and not what separates us."
KKL-Junk and the embassy after planting the tree. Let's hope this will help restore relations / Yoav Lin, KKL-Junk photo archive
Irish Ambassador Sonia McGuinness plants a tree today in Ben Sheman/Yoav Lin, KKL-Junk photo archive
A series of anti-Israeli incidents on the part of Ireland
Since the outbreak of the "Iron Swords" war, tensions have prevailed between Ireland and Israel, and there have been anti-Israeli demonstrations in the European country, alongside harsh criticism from Irish politicians.
As you may recall, last November, Irish Prime Minister Leo Vardkar congratulated the return of 9-year-old Emily Hand, who has citizenship in the country, to Israel as part of the Abductees' Sabbath, but refrained from mentioning that she had been released from Hamas captivity - and referred to her as a "lost" child.
In addition, in December, about two months ago, the Irish Broadcasting Authority (RTÉ) received a petition that included hundreds of signatures, calling on Ireland not to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden if Israel also participates.
And if that's not enough, then last week the players of the women's basketball team of Ireland refused to shake hands with the players of the Israeli team before the game between them.
Despite this, the embassy came today to hold the traditional KKL-Junk ceremony with the aim of reconnecting the roots between the countries.
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