Irish Jewish leaders have expressed doubts about President Michael Higgins giving the keynote address at an upcoming Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration due to concerns about his handling of antisemitism in Ireland. Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder warned that Higgins' speech may 'ring hollow for many Irish Jews' as he has failed to acknowledge and address the issue of contemporary antisemitism in the country. Jewish Representative Council of Ireland Maurice Cohen also criticized Higgins for making unsubstantiated remarks about Israel and preferring to criticize Israel rather than advocate for peace in the Middle East. The Israeli embassy in Ireland was closed in December due to the Irish government's engagement in antisemitic rhetoric and actions against Israel.