"I Remain an Irishman...and a Jew:" Conflicting Identities of Ireland's Jewish Politicians
Humanities
His 196E Modern Irish History
The paper examines the impact of a dual Jewish-Irish identity through the autobiographies of three Jewish-Irish politicians: Robert Briscoe, Chaim Herzog, and Alan Shatter. Parallel themes of anti-Semitism, masculinity, and suspicions about Jewish loyalty connect all three men, despite distinct generational differences. The anti-Semitic trope of dual loyalty, and this trope’s impact on the three politicians is examined, as well as Ireland’s inadequate response to Jewish refugees during WWII. While all three men strongly assert their love for Ireland, their Jewish status is deeply important to their identities and careers.
