#574 Antisemitism: The Herzog Park Backlash

Niall is Joined by John McGuirk (Gript Media)

In this episode, Niall sits down with John McGuirk, Editor-in-Chief of Gript Media, to dive into one of Dublin’s most heated current controversies: the proposal by several Dublin councillors to rename Herzog Park — a small southside park named after Chaim Herzog, the Belfast-born Jewish man who grew up in Ireland and went on to become the 6th President of Israel.

The discussion begins with the origins of the debate:

A motion raised at Dublin City Council suggests removing Herzog’s name due to objections raised by some councillors about his association with Zionism and his role in Israeli history. CLLR Conor Reddy (People Before Profit) has argued that:

“You can’t decouple genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing today from Zionism or the colonisation of Palestine over the 20th century. Genocide is an extension of the logic of Zionism. Denaming Herzog Park is about recognising historic crimes and placing ourselves on the right side of history.”

But others — including local residents, Jewish groups, historians, and elected representatives — strongly object, arguing that such a move is misguided, historically inaccurate, and risks crossing into antisemitism by targeting Irish-Jewish heritage rather than government policy.

Niall and John unpack the story of Chaim Herzog himself:

Born in Belfast in 1918 and raised in Dublin

Son of Ireland’s Chief Rabbi

Joined the British Army and served in WWII

Later became an Israeli military leader, UN ambassador, and eventually Israel’s President

Remembered by many as a significant figure in Jewish and Irish history

Criticised by others for his role in Israeli state actions and rhetoric during times of conflict

They explore why Herzog remains a complex and sometimes controversial figure, and whether modern political disputes should reshape how Ireland remembers one of its most notable Jewish-born statesmen.

The conversation also broadens to a second debate now emerging:

Should Dublin Airport be renamed after a cultural or historical figure — and if so, who? Or is the entire trend of renaming public places creating more division than unity?

Throughout the episode, callers join with a range of perspectives:

Some support the motion, some see it as performative politics, and others worry about erasing Irish-Jewish heritage in a climate of heightened global tension.

This is a lively, thoughtful, and at times passionate discussion about history, identity, memory, and the politics of naming in modern Ireland.