AJC and Jewish Representative Council of Ireland Form Partnership To Combat Antisemitism

As Ireland's 2,200 Jews face increasing antisemitism and anti-Israel animus, groups will increase advocacy and cooperation

American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, and the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland (JRCI), the main body representing the Jewish community in the country, today announced a formal partnership agreement to deepen their cooperation in combating antisemitism at a critical moment for the Irish Jewish community and world Jewry. The agreement, announced at AJC Global Forum in Washington, D.C., marks AJC's 43rd international Jewish community partnership.

The new agreement formalizes and builds upon a longstanding relationship that has already yielded meaningful results, including joint engagement with Irish officials, coordinated advocacy on antisemitism, and recent collaboration surrounding misguided efforts to rename Herzog Park, named after Chaim Herzog, the sixth president of Israel and a proud son of Ireland. These efforts contributed to a broader public conversation about historical memory, respect, and the place of Jewish history within Irish society, and ultimately coincided with Dublin City Council withdrawing the proposal.

Through this formalized partnership, AJC and JRCI will expand cooperation in key areas, including combating antisemitism, strengthening communal resilience, deepening diplomatic engagement, and strengthening education and awareness efforts to ensure that Jewish life in Ireland can continue to flourish openly, safely, and confidently as an integral part of Irish society. The agreement ensures that Ireland's Jewish community is further integrated into AJC's global network, enabling greater coordination and the exchange of ideas and best practices with Jewish communities worldwide.

"At a time when the Irish Jewish community is facing rising antisemitism and increasingly complex and contentious public discourse around Israel, AJC and JRCI are committed to shaping a future in which Jewish life is not only protected but thriving," said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. "By formalizing our long-standing collaboration, we are strengthening our ability to work together to confront antisemitism, engage policymakers, and support the Irish Jewish community."

"This partnership is both timely and deeply meaningful for our community," said Maurice Cohen, Chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland. "At a time when antisemitism is rising and Jewish life is facing new pressures, strengthening international relationships is critical. AJC has been an important and trusted partner, and we look forward to deepening this collaboration in the years ahead."

Earlier this year, JRCI published the first-ever community-documented report on antisemitic incidents in Ireland. Covering a six-month period, the report recorded 143 incidents within a Jewish population of approximately 2,200 people. Incidents occurred across everyday settings-public spaces, schools, workplaces, healthcare, retail venues, public transportation, and online platforms-and included dozens involving threats or intimidation directed at Jewish or Israeli individuals. The findings highlighted growing concerns within the community regarding antisemitism, social exclusion, and the broader sense of vulnerability experienced by many Irish Jews.

Against this backdrop, AJC and JRCI have intensified engagement with Irish public officials. In meetings with Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin in the United States and other Irish government officials, AJC has raised concerns about antisemitism and the broader environment affecting Jewish life in Ireland.

"This partnership reflects not only a shared vision, but also a deeply personal connection. My grandfather and great-grandfather played an important role in the fabric of Jewish life in Ireland. The resilience and vibrancy of the Irish Jewish community continues to inspire my and AJC's work," added Dr. Alexandra Herzog, Director of AJC's William Petschek Global Jewish Communities Department. "Our ongoing engagement on issues like Herzog Park underscores the importance of standing firmly for historical memory and Jewish history. Together, we are working to ensure that Jewish life in Ireland not only endures, but thrives with confidence and pride."

With 40 offices across the U.S. and around the globe, and now 43 formal partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide, AJC works to ensure the Jewish people and Israel are safe and thriving by working hand-in-hand with Jewish communities, and building trusted partnerships with leaders across government, education, partner communities, and the private sector.

About American Jewish Committee (AJC)

American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, creating trusted partnerships with leaders around the world to ensure Jews and Israel are safe and thriving. Through 40 offices and dozens of partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide, AJC engages leaders in more than 110 countries, empowering those in government, education, partner communities, and the private sector to counter antisemitism and act as allies. For more, please visit www.ajc.org .

About the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland (JRCI)

The Jewish Representative Council of Ireland (JRCI) is the official body representing the Jewish community in Ireland. They are committed to preserving and promoting Jewish life, culture, and heritage while ensuring the well-being and security of our community members. Their organisation provides a unified voice in discussions with government bodies, interfaith organisations, and international Jewish institutions. https://jrci.ie/

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