'Jewish supremacy' conspiracy theory spread on Irish parliament floor

• Published date: 12 October 2021
• Author: LAHAV HARKOV
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The term "Jewish supremacy" is an accusation lobbed at Israel by its opponents, with ties to centuries-old antisemitic accusations of Jews trying to take over the world, similar to the notorious libel The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.

Connolly presented Israeli "Jewish supremacy" as a fact, asking Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney if by his ministry's "indicating support for the Jewish character of the Israeli state agrees with the treatment by Israel of Palestinian communities in its attempts to accomplish Jewish supremacy."

She also asked Coveney "his views on whether these attempts to perpetuate the supremacy of Jews over Palestinians amount to apartheid, and if he will make a statement on the matter."

Coveney said he "respect[s] the strong connection between the Jewish people and the State of Israel."

"By their very nature, all states have certain inherent characteristics," he added, bringing "socialist, democratic, united, Islamic, Arab or Jewish" as examples, but said that those states should have "full respect for the equal rights of all citizens, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or other similar factors."

Coveney said that Ireland often raises its concerns about Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

Ireland is one of the countries most critical of Israel in Europe and was one of only two EU countries to participate in the anti-Israel Durban Conference at the UN last month.

Jewish Representative Council of Ireland chairperson Maurice Cohen said Connolly "strayed...