A few days ago the Jewish Chronicle in the UK broke the news that in Ireland, you can’t mention Israel at the Holocaust memorial event:
Organisers of a national Holocaust memorial event have banned any mention of Israel.
The trustees of Holocaust Educational Trust Ireland (HETI) have instructed the host of the country’s main Shoah memorial event in January “not to refer to the Jewish State or the State of Israel during any part of the ceremony”.
There was a big debate about whether this really happened, but now Israellycool has obtained the complete letters sent to the host of the upcoming event. The only redacted part is the address of the former master of ceremonies.
Text from 7 October 2014:
Dear Yanky,
Your letter of 09 June was discussed at our recent board meeting.
It was decided that in future, the MC of Holocaust Memorial Day will not refer to The Jewish State or the State of Israel during any part of the ceremony
Sincerely,
[Signature]Peter Cassells Chairperson
And 13 October 2014:
Dear Yanky,
As you know Holocaust Memorial Day is a national commemoration organised by HETI in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Equality.
Earlier this year the Department asked us to review and refresh the Commemoration. I am writing to let you know, that arising from the review, we will be engaging a new MC.
I would like to thank you for your contribution to Holocaust Memorial Day over the years.
Yours sincerely
[Signature]Peter Cassells Chairperson
Update 15 December: This morning the Jerusalem Post have published a piece claiming HETI have backed down (citing this Israellycool report). They mention a press release from HETI. I’ve asked HETI for a copy of that press release.
