Irish Pub Denies Entry to Zionists, Angering Israeli Immigrant

An Israeli immigrant in Ireland, Einbar Nemra, recounted an incident at the Cyprus Avenue pub where she was denied service after seeing a sticker on the cash register stating "Zionists are not welcome here." Nemra, who moved to Ireland with her partner Hadas Bar two and a half years ago, stated that until this event, she had not encountered antisemitism despite being openly Jewish and Israeli. Upon seeing the sticker, Nemra confronted the bartender, expressing her anger. Shortly after, a security guard approached Nemra and her partner, asking them to leave, stating they were not welcome to insult the staff and that their night was over. Nemra apologized for her outburst but also pointed out the "antisemitic" sticker, which the guard appeared unaware of. Nemra expressed her distress, comparing the sticker to signs that historically excluded Jews and dogs. She noted that before October 7th, she did not identify as a Zionist and even dismissed the idea that anti-Zionism was antisemitism, but the incident changed her perspective.

Nemra, who wears a Star of David earring and speaks Hebrew with her partner, mentioned that Palestinian flags are displayed on the pub's windows, which she generally doesn't mind, as she supports Palestinian liberation. However, she felt the sticker was a personal affront. She explained that she and her partner moved to Ireland partly due to the current Israeli government, seeking a more tolerant environment. They live in a rural area where their identities as a queer Jewish couple are accepted. Nemra shared her experience on Facebook, criticizing the pub's lack of understanding regarding Zionism and the diversity of opinions within Israel. She believes the pub's stance reflects a broader Irish sentiment of identifying with Palestinians, whom they see as analogous to Ireland's historical struggle against England. Nemra suggested this sentiment is fueled by antisemitism, noting the absence of similar animosity towards Ukrainian refugees.

Nemra is considering legal action and has contacted the venue online, requesting that such exclusionary policies be clearly stated in event descriptions to prevent others from inadvertently supporting what she deems antisemitic establishments. She stated that if she could speak to someone with such views, she would explain that Zionism is simply the right of the Jewish people to a nation-state and that slogans like "From the River to the Sea" imply the destruction of Jews. She feels that the world often misunderstands Israel by viewing it as a monolith, ignoring the existence of liberals and citizens who disagree with the government, and failing to acknowledge that Israelis, like the Irish, desire self-determination without occupation.