We, the undersigned call upon the City of Dublin and the Republic of Ireland, to preserve the name of Herzog Park. 

Chaim Herzog was a proud son of Ireland. Born in Belfast and raised in Dublin, he lived only a short distance from the park that now bears his name. As a child, he played in its surrounding fields when it was still part of the old Rathmines Castle estate. He later attended Wesley College nearby. His formative years in Dublin were deeply influential, and he frequently spoke of Ireland as the place that shaped his character, identity, and sense of justice.

Inspired by Ireland’s own pursuit of national self-determination, Herzog went on to become a leader in the fight for Jewish self-determination in the foundation of the State of Israel.
His life story embodies a unique and historic Irish–Jewish connection.

Herzog Park, located within steps of Ireland’s only Jewish K-12 school, nestled in the heart of the small but vibrant Irish Jewish community, is a living tangible symbol of the Jewish threads in the rich tapestry of Ireland. Physically, socially, spiritually, it is a reminder that Jews are a part of Ireland as well. 

Ireland has long honoured leaders of global significance with Irish roots:
 • the John F. Kennedy Arboretum in Wexford,
 • the Wellington Monument in the Phoenix Park,
 • the statue of Chilean independence leader Bernardo O’Higgins in Merrion Square.

Chaim Herzog deserves the same respect. His family’s contribution to Ireland - from Chief Rabbi Isaac Herzog to President Chaim Herzog himself, represents an outsized and irreplaceable chapter in Irish history.

Recent suggestions that the park be renamed, or that a “more acceptable” Jewish figure be chosen instead, risk erasing history, undermining Ireland’s reputation for inclusivity, and sending a painful message to a minority community that has already faced rising hostility. No community should have to defend the legacy of its leaders simply to retain its place in the public landscape of its own city.

This decision does nothing to advance peace abroad. What it does do is divide communities at home and distract from the real responsibilities of local government. Dublin needs leadership focused on safety, housing, transport, infrastructure, cleanliness, dereliction, and liveability. Not symbolic gestures that deepen division while solving none of the city’s pressing challenges.

We urge Dublin City Council to retain the name of Chaim Herzog Park and to stand firmly against historical erasure, discrimination in any form, and actions that harm community cohesion in our city.

We also wish to thank the councillors who have already chosen to stand with principle, history, and inclusivity.