The Biden administration is facing a growing wave of criticism from conservative Irish Americans over its support for the war on Gaza. Many within this community, both in Ireland and the diaspora, are outraged by President Biden’s endorsement of Israel’s military campaign and are voicing their opposition in protests and through political action.
Irish Americans, who have a strong connection to the struggles of their ancestors during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, are drawing parallels between that conflict and the situation in Palestine. They see the Israeli army’s actions as reminiscent of the British Army’s tactics during the Troubles, with helicopters overhead and a disregard for the lives of innocent civilians.
The support for Palestine among Irish Americans is not just limited to grassroots activists. It is also reflected in the Irish public’s opinion, with around 80 percent of Irish people believing that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. This sentiment has led to calls for a boycott of the annual St Patrick’s Day White House ceremony, where President Biden will receive a bowl of shamrocks from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
The growing opposition to Biden’s stance on Gaza poses a significant challenge for his administration, particularly in key swing states with large Irish American populations such as New Hampshire, Maine, and Pennsylvania. These states were crucial to Biden’s victory in the 2020 election, and losing support from Irish Americans could have serious repercussions for his re-election prospects.
While some Irish American Democrats remain supportive of Biden’s position, there is a clear shift in sentiment among the broader community. Irish Americans who previously voted for Biden are now reconsidering their support, with many planning to voice their opposition at the polls. They feel that Biden has crossed a line by supporting the bombing of hospitals and universities and causing the displacement of hundreds of thousands of children.
The Irish American community’s support for Palestine is not just a fleeting trend. It represents a deeper commitment to anticolonialism, human rights, and liberation. Younger Irish Americans, in particular, are rejecting the Democratic Party establishment’s stance on Israel and aligning themselves with the values of a free Palestine.
As protests against the White House meeting continue to spread across the country, the Biden administration must recognize the significance of the Irish American vote. Ignoring their concerns and continuing to support Israel’s military campaign could have serious consequences for Biden’s political future. It is time for the administration to listen to the voices of Irish Americans and reevaluate its position on Gaza. Only then can it hope to maintain the support of this crucial voting bloc in future elections.
