THE AFFINITY between Northern Ireland unionists and the Israeli people was highlighted at a ceremony in Dublin to mark the 62nd anniversary of the state of Israel.
The DUP mayor of Craigavon Stephen Moutray MLA said: “We as unionists in Northern Ireland can empathise with the government and people of Israel as we know only too well what it is like to suffer injustice, to have our name blackened in the international community and to be misrepresented by the media . . .
“We also know that even in the darkest hour, there is always hope; a hope born out of a deep faith and a solid determination to survive as a people come what may.
“That is why we are able to stand with Israel in her hour of need; to understand what the Israeli people are going through as they face the deadly threat of Hamas terrorism and the dark shadow of international contempt.”
He brought “fraternal greetings from the First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Peter Robinson MLA, who I know would wish to be associated with these celebrations and in particular the tribute to his excellency ambassador Zion Evrony, ambassador of Israel to the Republic of Ireland.”
Paddy Monaghan, of the Irish Christian Friends of Israel group, which organised last Thursday’s event, described Ireland as “the most pro-Palestinian country in all of Europe”.
He continued: “But the Irish attitude to Israel can change and perhaps unionist politicians from Northern Ireland could be a catalyst for it.
“On the 14th of June David Trimble was appointed as an international observer on the Israeli inquiry into the Gaza flotilla issue.
"There was a noticeable change in the political climate – now the Israeli narrative on the event was not contemptuously dismissed. Even The Irish Timesstarted to change its tune."