AOH Outraged by Attack Call on Irish Peacekeepers
A number of countries contribute to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL. The Irish flag shows where Irish personnel are stationed.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians has condemned "in the strongest terms" the "appalling comments made by former White House advisor and current Senior Fellow at the Washington-based think tank, the Gold Institute for International Strategy, Matthew Brodsky."
Brodsky, as reported last week, called for attacks on Irish UN peacekeepers in Lebanon and for napalm to be used against the Irish UNIFIL contingent.
Taoiseach Simon Harris, while in Washington for a meeting with President Biden, responded by stating: "Isn't that just the most disgusting thing you can possibly have heard?
"The families of our peacekeepers are understandably concerned and stressed - as many of us would be if our loved one was in Lebanon at the moment. So comments like that are entirely inappropriate and pretty despicable."
The Hibernians have now weighed in behind Mr. Harris.
The AOH statement said: The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns in the strongest terms the appalling comments made by former White House advisor and current Senior Fellow at the Washington-based think tank, the Gold Institute for International Strategy, Matthew Brodsky. Brodsky recently called for attacks on Irish UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
"On Sunday, October 6, Mr. Brodsky, a former member of a U.S. Palestinian-Israeli peace team, posted on social media that Israel 'should carpet bomb the Irish area and then drop napalm over it.' Not content with this egregious statement, Brodsky followed up with another tweet, saying, 'I hope every one of those useless POS Irishmen are blasted to bits.'"
The AOH statement continued: "There is no place in our society for such visceral hatred and bigotry, whether it targets the Jewish, Islamic, Irish, or any other community. The fact that these irresponsible and bigoted statements come from someone who presents himself as an expert in international strategy and global peace should alarm everyone, regardless of their heritage
"The Irish soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) are acting to preserve peace in a conflict that neither they nor their nation had a role in creating. Their mission is to protect both Israeli and Lebanese civilians.
"By calling for direct attacks on these peacekeepers, Mr. Brodsky advocates for violations of international humanitarian law. The world cannot ignore the gravity of the situation in Lebanon, nor can it tolerate the violent and reckless comments made by Mr. Brodsky as brave Irish soldiers find themselves in what could become a second siege of Jadotville.
"Brodsky's remarks starkly contradict the mission of the Gold Institute for International Strategy, where he holds the title of Senior Fellow. His call for violence undermines the Institute's stated commitment to promoting freedom, prosperity, and security through Western values and strategic vision. Instead of offering "practical solutions" and fostering international cooperation, Brodsky's rhetoric damages the principles of peace and diplomacy that the Gold Institute claims to uphold. More concerning is that, at this time, the Gold Institute continues to allow individuals to sponsor Mr. Brodsky's prejudiced and irresponsible comments through soliciting direct contributions through their website.
"The Ancient Order of Hibernians calls upon the Gold Institute to immediately cease soliciting funds to support Mr. Brodsky's hateful rhetoric. We urge them to reconsider whether Brodsky's statements align with the "Western values" they claim to promote and to issue a clear statement regarding their stance on their Senior Fellow’s remarks. We also ask representatives from all political parties and media entities to reevaluate any advisory relationships they may have with Mr. Brodsky and determine whether his comments reflect their values.
"Finally, we call upon all people of conscience, regardless of heritage or faith, to keep the Irish and all peacekeepers in Lebanon in their thoughts and prayers. These brave men and women risk their lives daily to secure peace—not merely advise on it from the safety of a conference room."
