'Deep concern' over rise in anti-semitic incidents in Ireland 

Between July and January, 143 incidents were reported by members of the Jewish community in Ireland, which numbers some 2,200 people. File picture

Over 140 incidents of anti-semitism were recorded in Ireland over the six months up to January this year. 

The Jewish Representative Council of Ireland (JRCI) expressed "deep concern" over the recent findings and urged a "rapid development of a dedicated national plan to counter growing antisemitism".

Between July and January, 143 incidents were reported by members of the Jewish community in Ireland, which numbers some 2,200 people. 

These include incidents which happened during or before the reporting period and were never previously documented. 

"The incidents are self-reported — they reflect the lived experience of many Irish Jews. No official State mechanism for recording antisemitic incidents in Ireland exists," the JRCI said. 

Some 52 incidents were reported as verbal abuse or slurs, 47 incidents of vandalism or graffiti were recorded, and 35 incidents of threats or intimidation were reported. 

There were 35 incidents of exclusion and discrimination and 24 incidents of hate emails and unsolicited messages.

Some 75% of incidents were reported in ordinary, everyday environments including public spaces, schools and universties, healthcare settings, as well as retail and hospitality services. 

The JRCI said these reports represent only "a partial picture". 

"International research consistently shows that antisemitism is significantly underreported due to normalisation, reporting fatigue, uncertainty about recognition, and limited confidence in institutional responses. Community members confirm that these factors also shape reporting behaviour in Ireland," said the JRCI.