Israelis Edit Irish Wikipedia Page Amid Tensions
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Israeli internet users altered the Hebrew Wikipedia entry for Ireland to call it a "country of ginger-haired, terror-supporting people who play patty-cake" following perceived disrespect by Irish football players during the Israeli anthem. The edit, made on October 4th, was quickly reverted, sparking a debate online about its effectiveness and appropriateness as a response to strained bilateral relations and perceived provocations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli internet users edited the Hebrew Wikipedia page for Ireland in protest of perceived slights by Irish football players.
- The altered Wikipedia entry described Ireland as a "country of ginger-haired, terror-supporting people who play patty-cake."
- The edit occurred on October 4th and was reverted shortly after, sparking debate about its effectiveness.
- The incident reflects broader tensions between Israel and Ireland, including Ireland's criticism of the recent war.
- Some Israelis saw the edit as a humorous protest, while others deemed it childish and ineffective.
Following recent football matches between Israel and Ireland, during which Irish players reportedly turned their backs or bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem, "Hatikvah," a wave of public anger and frustration erupted among Israelis. In response to this perceived disrespect and the broader strained relations between the two countries, particularly Ireland's critical stance on the recent war and its recognition of a Palestinian state, some Israeli internet users engaged in a digital protest.
These users altered the opening paragraph of the Hebrew Wikipedia entry for Ireland. Instead of its standard description, the page was temporarily changed to read: "The Republic of Ireland is a country of ginger-haired, terror-supporting people who play patty-cake." This edit, made on October 4th at 10:21 PM, was later corrected when the page was restored to its original text.
The incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking debate among Israelis. Some viewed the Wikipedia edit as a humorous, albeit cynical, way to vent frustration, with comments like "We really got them" and "Admire the person who wrote this." Others criticized the act as childish and ineffective, questioning its purpose since the change was only visible on the Hebrew Wikipedia page and was quickly reverted. Critics argued that such actions were pointless and suggested more impactful responses, such as boycotting Irish products and companies, instead of engaging in what they deemed "childish games."
