Sir, – Mary Lou McDonald’s vision (“Neutrality and Palestine would top foreign policy of Sinn Féin”, News, June 2nd), though commendable, is unfortunately clouded by misconceptions that most of the world at large – including the Arab world and a large proportion of Palestinians in Israel and abroad – have since been awakened from.
Any comparison between modern Israel and colonial Britain is a false one. Britain was not threatened by the Irish state; were Britain to be constantly shelled by Ireland, its response would be much harsher than Israel’s has hitherto been.
Her accusation that Israel is a “colonial” power is outrageous.
The Jewish people, albeit in varying numbers, have lived in this land for 3,000 years.
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We have deep historical, archaeological and religious roots in that ancient region. What she said is like saying the Irish people are “colonists” in Ireland!
Notwithstanding and thanks to its history, Ireland has so much to contribute to the Middle East peace process that it would be a shame to distance itself by delegitimising the one true democracy in the region, one where Arabs of all sections of the political divide are fairly represented in parliament and in the coalition, as well as throughout the economic spectrum.
Were Ms McDonald to truly take upon herself the responsibilities of responsible government, I would hope that she learns the facts on the ground from all parties, and not merely those whose political agendas it is convenient to listen to.
Otherwise one could reasonably question whether the other aspects of her agenda are equally misinformed. – Yours, etc,
LIRONNE BAR SADEH,
Ambassador of Israel,
Dublin 4.
