Solidarity, Suspicion and Conspiracy: Jews and the Irish Revolution

About this episode

This episode explores the complex relationship between Jews and the Irish Revolution, highlighting themes of solidarity, suspicion, and antisemitism.

As the Irish Revolution broke out, Europe was gripped by political upheaval, fear of revolution, and rising antisemitism. In conservative and right-wing circles, the so-called “Jewish Question” loomed large. Claims that Jews were secretly fomenting revolution across the world became increasingly common, feeding conspiracy theories that shaped how many people interpreted events from Russia to Ireland. In this episode of Brothers in Pain, Dr Brian Hanley explores how these ideas influenced perceptions of the Irish Revolution. Leading British figures repeatedly claimed that Jews were secretly behind unrest in Ireland, reflecting the wider antisemitic beliefs circulating in British and European politics at the time. But the story was far more complex than conspiracy and prejudice. Jewish communities in Ireland and across the world responded to the Irish Revolution in different ways. Some Jewish figures, including Michael Noyek and Robert Briscoe, became prominent Irish republicans. Others were more cautious, concerned by political instability, violence, and antisemitism within parts of Irish nationalist politics. Brian also examines the uncomfortable reality that some leading Irish…

People in this episode

Host: Fin Dwyer

Guest: Dr Brian Hanley

Topics covered

• Irish Revolution
• antisemitism
• conspiracy theories
• Jewish communities
• Irish nationalism
• political instability

Keywords

• Irish Revolution
• antisemitism
• conspiracy theories
• Jewish communities
• Irish nationalism
• political instability
• Dr Brian Hanley
• Michael Noyek
• Robert Briscoe

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Brothers in Pain

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