Activism and Art: Ireland’s Support for Palestinian Voices

By Esther Kabwika

Until 1921, what is now known as the Republic of Ireland was a British colony. From 1917-1947, Palestine was deemed British territory. This shared experience of colonialism translates to the present day. As the escalation of Israel’s violence continues to ravage Palestine and its surrounding areas (Lebanon being one present example), it is important to remember how solidarity between the countries came to be – and how we display our solidarity through our art and our cultural experiences.

Teen Vogue documents the solidarity movement for Palestine in the Republic and Northen Ireland “in Derry, there are several visible references to Palestine and the Palestinian struggle” [1]. In Ireland, various solidarity groups have emerged, such as the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which seeks to highlight the impact of Israeli policies on Palestinian lives and promote human rights. Similarly, Palestinian voices often reference the Irish struggle, seeing their fight as part of a broader global movement against colonialism and imperialism. The BDS (boycott, divest, sanction) movement has soared in popularity across Ireland and Northen Ireland which should come as no surprise since it is Ireland is where the word ‘Boycott’ originated. Despite such differing cultural experiences, a united oppressive experience has festered a historical understanding.

Al Jazeera, similar to Teen Vogue, chronicles the shared history of resistance and political action taken by ordinary people against the oppressive forces that ruled Ireland. Al Jazeera reports that  a landlord known as Charles Cunningham Boycott was one of the 750 landlords who owned half of the country and “In 1880, the Land League, which had been formed the year before to work for the reform of the landlord system” [2]. From then on, Ireland’s commitment to anti-imperialism and justice was set in stone. Today, Irish efforts for anti-imperialism are incapsulated in political murals across the country. Solidarity thrives in the arts scene throughout the island.

Irish artists, musicians, and writers have often used their platforms to amplify Palestinian voices. Events showcasing Irish music alongside Palestinian art help to create a narrative of shared struggle. For example, the works of poets like Seamus Heaney and musicians such as the Wolfe Tones have been invoked in discussions of resistance, fostering a sense of unity between the two movements. The solidarity movement is further strengthened by the use of social media, which has allowed activists to connect in real-time and share information globally.

‘Irish Arts For Palestine’ is an organisation which aims to work in solidarity with Palestinian creatives and showcase their diversity. In their mission statement, they write “Artistic expression creates spaces through which we can connect and deepen our resolve and resilience in the face of systemic violence, oppression, and injustice” [3]. Campaigns highlighting the plight of Palestinians often draw support from Irish networks, allowing for a rapid dissemination of messages and mobilization of support. The annual commemorations of events like the Nakba (the Palestinian catastrophe of 1948) and the Easter Rising in Ireland serve as poignant reminders of the enduring legacies of both struggles and the importance of ongoing solidarity.

Here at Queen’s, there is a rising solidarity student activist group known as the QUB Palestine Assembly. Formed just last year, they have slowly but surely gained traction and support from unions such as UCU has been in support of BDS guidelines. They have been involved in numerous protests and their appearance at the national march in Dublin on the 5th October was a momentous occasion in the continued fight to remember those who have been lost and those who continue to fight the occupation. Moreover, educational institutions in Ireland have increasingly incorporated the Palestinian narrative into their curricula, promoting an understanding of the complexities of the conflict and its historical roots. This educational outreach fosters a new generation of activists who are informed about global struggles for justice and are motivated to continue the legacy of solidarity – through our education system’s culture.

Ultimately, the Palestinian and Irish solidarity movement embodies a powerful alliance grounded in shared histories of oppression and resistance. This solidarity is not merely symbolic; it reflects a genuine commitment to mutual support and the belief that the struggles for justice and human rights are interconnected. As both movements continue to navigate their respective challenges, the bonds of solidarity serve as a reminder that collective action and shared experiences can foster hope and inspire change across borders. Through cultural, political, and grassroots initiatives, the spirit of solidarity remains a vital force in the ongoing fight for dignity and self-determination for both the Palestinian and Irish peoples.

Sources:

[1] McMenamin, Lex. 2024. “Ireland Recognized Palestinian Statehood. Here’s How Deep Their Solidarity Goes.” Teen Vogue. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ireland-recognized-palestinian-statehood-solidarity.

[2] Aljamal, Yousef M. n.d. “Hunger Strikes Show the History of Irish-Palestinian Solidarity.” Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/12/3/how-hunger-strikes-reveal-long-standing-ireland-palestine-solidar.

[3] “Irish Artists for Palestine.” 2019. Irish Artists for Palestine. https://irishartistsforpalestine.com.