Ireland Pulls Plug on MDA Fundraiser, Igniting International Outrage
The event, scheduled for May 11, was set to feature a play based on testimonies from survivors and first responders of the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack. It was organized by Magen David Adom Ireland, a charity that raises funds for Israel’s national emergency medical service.
Dublin’s National Concert Hall has canceled a planned fundraiser for Israel’s emergency medical service, drawing criticism from Israeli officials and local organizers.
The event, scheduled for May 11, was set to feature a play based on testimonies from survivors and first responders of the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack. It was organized by Magen David Adom Ireland, a charity that raises funds for Israel’s national emergency medical service.
The venue confirmed that the event “will not proceed,” without providing a detailed explanation. The cancellation follows a previous reversal, after the concert hall had initially dropped the event citing a policy against hosting political activities before reinstating it, describing the earlier decision as a misunderstanding.
The latest cancellation comes amid pressure from pro-Palestinian groups, which had called for protests and accused Magen David Adom of involvement in Israel’s military actions.
Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency response organization and the country’s affiliate of the International Red Cross, provides medical services to all citizens, including both Jews and Arabs.
Gilad Erdan, the organization’s global president and a former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, condemned the decision, calling it “antisemitic” and accusing the venue of censoring accounts of the October 7 attacks.
He said the cancellation prevented the presentation of firsthand testimonies and undermined efforts to support humanitarian medical services in Israel.
Alan Shatter, chair of Magen David Adom Ireland, also criticized the move, describing it as “disgraceful” and calling for the event to be reinstated. He said a private fundraiser for a humanitarian organization should not have become a point of controversy.
The cancellation comes against a broader backdrop of tension in Ireland over Israel-related events and a reported rise in antisemitic incidents. Organizers of the planned performance said they intend to find an alternative venue to stage the play.