Archbishop Michael Jackson has expressed support for Ireland’s Jewish community following appearance of anti–Semitic graffiti on roadways earlier this week.

“While for many New Year’s Eve is a time of rejoicing, we could not have been other than appalled by the deliberate writing and drawing of anti–Semitic language and symbols on roads in our country.

“Words and visuals trigger trauma and memory and loss and instil dread because they resuscitate horrors of the past which cannot be quelled except by pro–active care by the whole community.

“Such visceral trauma makes lived history both terrifying and terrorizing.

“Jewish people are not visitors in Ireland. They are citizens. They have significant history of belonging in and contributing to Irish life.

“I offer my support to all impacted, including Gardai who are doing their utmost to provide protection and to eradicate racism and antisemitism from our society as the new year 2026 gets under way.”