Dublin City University’s Students Supporting Israel Chapter Targeted with Antisemitic Abuse
Jewish students at Dublin City University faced a flood of antisemitic abuse online after peacefully displaying an Israeli flag on campus
The Dublin City University (DCU) chapter of Students Supporting Israel (SSI) has been subjected to a wave of disturbing antisemitic attacks on social media, yet received little support from university officials. The online abuse, which include Holocaust inversion, defamatory accusations, and calls for violence, highlight the increasingly hostile climate for Jewish students and pro-Israel advocates in Ireland.
Antisemitic Attacks Target SSI Members
Members of DCU’s SSI chapter, a student-led organization that advocates for Israel and counters misinformation about the Jewish state, have found themselves the target of hateful messages. The attacks, which surfaced on social media after it uploaded a picture of a booth they set up on campus, include explicit threats and defamatory accusations.
One comment disturbingly read, “GROUP HANGING WHEN😭😭😭😭😭.” Another falsely implied SSI members were sex offenders, stating, “I just know you’s aren’t permitted to go within 50ft of a school.” Another message inverted the Holocaust, stating, “Sitting there smiling and advocating genocide and colonisation, Wondering why they don’t have a photo with their best friend adolfo.” The reference to Adolf Hitler in such a manner is an unmistakable attempt to dehumanize Jewish students and trivialize the Holocaust.
In response to these attacks, SSI DCU issued a strong statement condemning the wave of antisemitic abuse and reaffirming their commitment to standing for truth and justice.
“This week, Students Supporting Israel (SSI) at Dublin City University took a simple yet powerful action: they tabled on campus with an Israeli flag, standing proudly for truth and justice. What followed was an outpouring of vile online hatred, with over 2,000 comments filled with insults of the worst kind, direct threats of physical violence, and incitement—simply because Zionists students choose to express their identity.”
The statement also highlighted the growing antisemitism in Dublin, warning that the hostility directed at Jewish students is part of a broader societal problem:
“Dublin has a massive antisemitism problem—one that runs deep, is openly tolerated, and is becoming increasingly dangerous. The level of hatred, intimidation, and dehumanization directed at students who peacefully advocate for Israel is not just alarming; it is a direct threat to Jewish life on campus and beyond….
Despite the hostility, SSI vowed to continue advocating for their cause:
Let it be clear: SSI will not back down. Online mobs, threats, or intimidation will not silence us. The students who stood with the Israeli flag today will stand again tomorrow—and they will not stand alone.”
Lack of Condemnation Raises Concerns
Despite the severity of the social media attacks, there has been little response from university administrators, student organizations, or political leaders in support of SSI DCU. No formal statements appear to have been issued condemning the abuse, nor have any disciplinary actions been taken against those responsible. The failure to address this incident raises concerns about whether antisemitism is being overlooked within Irish academic institutions.
SSI DCU directly called upon Dublin City University, the Irish government, and law enforcement authorities to address the situation. Likewise, Jewish advocacy groups and international organizations have echoed these concerns, warning that inaction emboldens further harassment and discrimination.
Jackie Goodall, Director of the Ireland Israel Alliance, highlighted the online targeting of SSI DCU members as an alarming escalation. “We were therefore horrified to discover that the fledgling group, formed only two weeks ago, was targeted online with an enormous barrage of vile, hateful, inciteful comments that included credible, violent threats on their lives and a call to ‘bring back public humiliation rituals.’”
Wider Context: Rising Antisemitism in Ireland
The antisemitic abuse directed at DCU’s SSI chapter is not an isolated incident. Ireland has seen a troubling increase in antisemitic incidents, particularly in the context of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and attempts to free the hostages held by the terror group since its October 7th attack.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) recently addressed the Irish government over growing antisemitic sentiment in the country, emphasizing the risks posed to Ireland’s small Jewish community. The AJC highlighted the pervasive nature of antisemitism in Ireland, which poses serious risks for its 3,000 Jewish residents, many of whom hold Israeli citizenship. Beyond physical harassment, widespread anti-Israel sentiment—including in parts of the government—affects daily life. Jewish students face bullying, hostility on campuses, and a less welcoming atmosphere in workplaces.
Similarly, a report by Fathom Journal further highlighted how anti-Zionism —characterized by the rejection of Jewish self-determination— has become the dominant form of antisemitism in Ireland, where support for Palestinian causes often crosses the line into delegitimization and demonization of Jewish people. This has manifested in academic spaces, public discourse, and, as seen in the case of DCU’s SSI chapter, social media attacks against Jewish students.
The Urgency of Addressing Antisemitism
The recent events at DCU have drawn attention to broader concerns about antisemitism in Ireland, particularly within academic settings. The intersection of anti-Israel activism and accusations of antisemitic rhetoric has sparked debate over the boundaries of political expression and hate speech.
In light of the escalating hostility, Jewish advocacy groups are urging Dublin City University and the Irish government to take concrete steps to address antisemitism. Goodall called on Dublin City University and the Irish government to take immediate action against rising discrimination, stressing, “The Ireland Israel Alliance calls on Dublin City University and the Irish government to urgently address this rampant discrimination on our Irish campuses, and to ensure the safety of all students.” She also urged the university to “adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, without delay.”
The response to incidents like the one at DCU will likely serve as a measure of institutional commitment to addressing discrimination and maintaining a safe space for diverse perspectives.
Violence against Jews (sorry, "zionists" <wink>) comes next.
What about the anti-semitism of the group's members? They should be expelled for the video of their antisemitism in Berlin. German police are investigating them for Holocaustleugnung