To: Chief Executive, Dublin City Council.
Hands off Herzog Park
Petition to Dublin City Council to Retain the Existing Name of Herzog Park
To: Dublin City Council
Re: Proposed Renaming of Herzog Park
We, the undersigned, being residents, stakeholders, and members of the local community, hereby submit this petition requesting that Dublin City Council retain the existing name of Herzog Park in its current and historic form.
It is our considered position that:
1. Herzog Park holds established historical, cultural, and community significance, and its current name forms part of the identity and continuity of the surrounding area.
2. No sufficient or compelling justification has been presented to demonstrate that a renaming would serve the public interest, enhance community welfare, or contribute positively to civic life.
3. Any alteration of a long-standing public place-name should only occur following demonstrably broad public support, transparent consultation, and due regard for the views of local residents, not the antisemitism on display in relation to the cur ent renaming proposal.
4. The proposed renaming, if implemented without clear, majority-backed community consent, would amount to an unnecessary disruption of established local heritage and may set an unwarranted precedent regarding future place-name changes.
Accordingly, we respectfully request that Dublin City Council:
Reject any proposal to rename Herzog Park;
Affirm the existing name as the official designation of the park; and
Recognise and uphold the wishes of the local community, whose connection to the park is longstanding, meaningful, and worthy of protection.
By signing below, we confirm our support for this request and ask that the Council take formal action to preserve the name Herzog Park in the interest of heritage, continuity, and community identity.
To: Dublin City Council
Re: Proposed Renaming of Herzog Park
We, the undersigned, being residents, stakeholders, and members of the local community, hereby submit this petition requesting that Dublin City Council retain the existing name of Herzog Park in its current and historic form.
It is our considered position that:
1. Herzog Park holds established historical, cultural, and community significance, and its current name forms part of the identity and continuity of the surrounding area.
2. No sufficient or compelling justification has been presented to demonstrate that a renaming would serve the public interest, enhance community welfare, or contribute positively to civic life.
3. Any alteration of a long-standing public place-name should only occur following demonstrably broad public support, transparent consultation, and due regard for the views of local residents, not the antisemitism on display in relation to the cur ent renaming proposal.
4. The proposed renaming, if implemented without clear, majority-backed community consent, would amount to an unnecessary disruption of established local heritage and may set an unwarranted precedent regarding future place-name changes.
Accordingly, we respectfully request that Dublin City Council:
Reject any proposal to rename Herzog Park;
Affirm the existing name as the official designation of the park; and
Recognise and uphold the wishes of the local community, whose connection to the park is longstanding, meaningful, and worthy of protection.
By signing below, we confirm our support for this request and ask that the Council take formal action to preserve the name Herzog Park in the interest of heritage, continuity, and community identity.
Why is this important?
Herzog Park is named in honour of Chaim Herzog (1918–1997), one of the most distinguished Irish-born figures of the 20th century.
Renaming the park would not only erase a piece of Dublin’s multicultural heritage, but could also be perceived as dismissive of the historical contributions of Ireland’s Jewish community.
Who Was Chaim Herzog — and Why He Matters to Dublin
1. Born and raised in Ireland
Chaim Herzog was born on Orwell Road, Rathgar — the very community where the park now stands.
His childhood and formative years were spent in Dublin and Belfast. He attended:
Wesley College, Dublin
Masonic Boys Secondary School
Sandford Park School
His early education, identity, and worldview were shaped on the streets surrounding what is now Herzog Park.
2. A global statesman with Irish roots
Chaim Herzog became:
A Major General in the Israeli Defence Forces
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations
President of the State of Israel (1983–1993)
One of the most influential diplomatic voices of his era
Despite rising to international prominence, he regularly acknowledged his Irish upbringing as a meaningful part of his personal and intellectual development.
3. A rare example of Ireland’s global legacy
Very few Irish-born individuals have gone on to hold the presidency of another nation. Herzog represents:
Ireland’s diaspora
The influence of Irish education
Ireland’s early multicultural history
The long-standing presence of the Jewish community in Dublin
Herzog Park stands as a symbolic connection between Ireland and one of its most accomplished sons.
Why the Name Matters to Irish Heritage
Herzog Park is one of the very few public spaces in Ireland that recognises the contribution of Irish Jews to the cultural and civic life of the nation.
The name honours:
a minority community
a significant Irish-born world leader
local history rooted directly in Rathgar
Removing the name risks erasing this recognition.
Why Renaming Will Be Perceived as Antisemitic.
To be clear: one cannot claim someone’s motives without evidence.
However, i believe renaming the park will.
1. Erase one of the few public acknowledgements of Jewish heritage in Dublin
Ireland has very few landmarks dedicated to Jewish figures. Removing one disproportionately affects the visibility of Jewish history.
2. Single out a Jewish-associated name rais ng legitimate concerns
When a small minority with limited public representation is targeted for symbolic removal, it can echo past patterns of cultural marginalisation.
3. Send an unintended message that Jewish contributions are expendable
Chaim Herzog is a celebrated head of state, soldier, lawyer, diplomat, and Irish son. Removing his name diminishes recognition of his connection to Dublin.
4. In the current climate, risk being interpreted through the lens of rising antisemitism internationally
Even if no harmful intent exists, the timing and symbolism may understandably alarm Jewish communities and allies.
Renaming the park would not only erase a piece of Dublin’s multicultural heritage, but could also be perceived as dismissive of the historical contributions of Ireland’s Jewish community.
Who Was Chaim Herzog — and Why He Matters to Dublin
1. Born and raised in Ireland
Chaim Herzog was born on Orwell Road, Rathgar — the very community where the park now stands.
His childhood and formative years were spent in Dublin and Belfast. He attended:
Wesley College, Dublin
Masonic Boys Secondary School
Sandford Park School
His early education, identity, and worldview were shaped on the streets surrounding what is now Herzog Park.
2. A global statesman with Irish roots
Chaim Herzog became:
A Major General in the Israeli Defence Forces
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations
President of the State of Israel (1983–1993)
One of the most influential diplomatic voices of his era
Despite rising to international prominence, he regularly acknowledged his Irish upbringing as a meaningful part of his personal and intellectual development.
3. A rare example of Ireland’s global legacy
Very few Irish-born individuals have gone on to hold the presidency of another nation. Herzog represents:
Ireland’s diaspora
The influence of Irish education
Ireland’s early multicultural history
The long-standing presence of the Jewish community in Dublin
Herzog Park stands as a symbolic connection between Ireland and one of its most accomplished sons.
Why the Name Matters to Irish Heritage
Herzog Park is one of the very few public spaces in Ireland that recognises the contribution of Irish Jews to the cultural and civic life of the nation.
The name honours:
a minority community
a significant Irish-born world leader
local history rooted directly in Rathgar
Removing the name risks erasing this recognition.
Why Renaming Will Be Perceived as Antisemitic.
To be clear: one cannot claim someone’s motives without evidence.
However, i believe renaming the park will.
1. Erase one of the few public acknowledgements of Jewish heritage in Dublin
Ireland has very few landmarks dedicated to Jewish figures. Removing one disproportionately affects the visibility of Jewish history.
2. Single out a Jewish-associated name rais ng legitimate concerns
When a small minority with limited public representation is targeted for symbolic removal, it can echo past patterns of cultural marginalisation.
3. Send an unintended message that Jewish contributions are expendable
Chaim Herzog is a celebrated head of state, soldier, lawyer, diplomat, and Irish son. Removing his name diminishes recognition of his connection to Dublin.
4. In the current climate, risk being interpreted through the lens of rising antisemitism internationally
Even if no harmful intent exists, the timing and symbolism may understandably alarm Jewish communities and allies.
