The Daily Star Ireland
Before Christmas, the Israeli embassy in Dublin made headlines when the Israeli government announced its closure, citing Ireland’s “anti-Israel approach.” However, government records reveal that 34 years ago, Israel was keenly advocating for the establishment of an embassy in Dublin, with the effort led by the then-deputy foreign minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is now the Prime Minister.
During a visit to Dublin in February 1990, Netanyahu met with Gerry Collins, Ireland’s foreign affairs minister at the time. Collins mentioned the Irish people’s natural sympathy towards Israel but noted that the deaths of Irish soldiers in Lebanon had negatively impacted Israel’s image in Ireland. Netanyahu strongly pushed for the establishment of embassies in both countries, emphasizing that Israel would soon have embassies across Eastern Europe and didn’t want Ireland to lag in diplomatic relations with Israel.
Israel’s embassy in Ireland eventually opened in December 1993. However, in May 2024, Prime Minister Netanyahu recalled Ambassador Dana Erlich for “consultations” following Ireland’s recognition of the state of Palestine. By mid-December, it was announced that the embassy would close permanently.
These records also highlight significant changes over the past three decades. For instance, the revolution in communication technology has drastically changed how people stay in touch. Today, those with loved ones in Australia can easily make mobile calls or video chats. However, 30 years ago, starting a new life in Australia meant limited communication options, often involving the Department of Foreign Affairs to help reconnect with family back home.
One case detailed a man in Canberra who had lost contact with his family, who were trying urgently to reach him due to his mother’s illness. Another involved an elderly emigrant from Kerry who was critically injured in Australia, prompting local police to seek assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs to locate his relatives.
Other incidents from the archives include a young man who lost his traveler’s cheques and needed help canceling them and a family seeking contact with their daughter in Queensland who had gone out of touch over the holidays.
Additionally, the newly released archives reveal efforts to free Irish hostage Brian Keenan in Lebanon, the opposition to establishing an arms industry in Ireland, the importance of American fundraising by Sinn Féin during the peace process, and government disputes over IRA links to criminal activities. The records also contain lighter stories, such as Hollywood’s “moral vacuum” and the mystery of who is buried in Drumcliffe graveyard.
