Dublin: Pro-Palestinian supporters in Ireland have staged a re-enactment of the nativity of Jesus Christ to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The “Gaza Solidarity Nativity”, organised by the Irish–Palestine Solidarity Campaign, was presented near the Molly Malone statue in Dublin ahead of Christmas.
Organisers said the reimagined nativity reflects the current situation in Gaza, arguing that if Jesus were born today, he would be born under siege, displaced, and without access to adequate food or medical care. Activists also highlighted the plight of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons, stating that the figures traditionally represented as the wise men and shepherds would, in today’s context, face restrictions or imprisonment.
Participants called on the Irish Government to move beyond what they described as symbolic statements and to take concrete action, including efforts to end the blockade of Gaza and address alleged violations of international law.
Pro-Palestinian groups are now active across much of Ireland, often operating at local level and coming together for rallies, conferences, and cultural events. In some areas, these groups work to build alliances with Christian clergy and community leaders.
The Dublin event featured musicians and artists, including singer Molly May O’Leary, the Resistance Choir, poet Robert Hayden, and Gaza-based photojournalist Eman Mohammed. Several doctors also attended, wearing stethoscopes bearing images of health workers who have been killed or detained in Gaza.
Speaking at the event, Molly May O’Leary said that the Christmas season is about maintaining hope during dark times, regardless of faith. “It’s important that we come together and try to hold on to hope for the future,” she said.
Zoe Lawlor, chair of the Ireland–Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said Ireland has legal obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention to act to prevent genocide. She called for economic, political, and cultural measures against Israel and urged the government to implement long-standing legislative proposals, including the Occupied Territories Bill and related measures.
She also called for an end to the passage of military equipment through Irish airspace to Israel and for the immediate cessation of bilateral arms trade, stating that Ireland must act in line with international law and public sentiment to promote peace and justice.
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