A number of protesters stood and turned their backs to President Michael D Higgins as he delivered his speech during the National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration in the Mansion House this afternoon.
The protesters took to their feet as the president spoke about the Hamas attack on October 7, the response inflicted on Gaza after and the “long-overdue ceasefire”.
“I believe that those in Israel who mourn their loved ones, those who have been waiting for the release of hostages, or the thousands searching for relatives in the rubble and Gaza, will welcome the long-overdue ceasefire, which for there has been such a heavy price paid,” President Higgins said.
The president said the agreement “must end the killing”, deliver increased humanitarian aid to save lives and that all remaining hostages are released.
“It is to be hoped that the agreement will not only bring an end to the horrific loss of life and destruction which has taken place, but that it will also mark the beginning of the meaningful discussions, the sustained diplomatic initiatives which have been missing from the international community with tragic consequences,” he said.
According to reports from RTÉ News, while a number of protesters walked out of the Round Room where the commemoration took place, some were removed from the room by security and gardaí.
The ceremony took place the day before the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp.
During the keynote speech, President Higgins told those gathered that war was “not the natural condition of humanity”.
“When wars and conflicts become accepted or presented as seemingly unending, humanity is a loser. War is not the natural condition of humanity. Cooperation is,” President Higgins said.
“We must recover and assert that principle at every level, nationally, regionally, internationally.
“We must never lack the courage to challenge hatred and persecution in whatever forms they are sought to be manifested by promoting a world that is free from persecution based on difference,” he added.
Organised by Holocaust Education Ireland, Holocaust survivors Tomi Reichental and Suzi Diamond were in attendance and who met the President as he arrived at the Mansion House this afternoon.
Among the politicians who attended the event included Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Labour leader Ivana Bacik, Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain and Senator Michael McDowell.