Holocaust survivor and campaigner Tomi Reichental has confirmed he will attend this year's National Holocaust Memorial Day after criticism from Irish Jewish groups that President Michael D Higgins will deliver the keynote speech.
A number of organisations along with the Chief Rabbi are critical of the President's attendance because of what they say is his failure to address anti-Semitism in Ireland.
However, Mr Reichental told RTÉ News he never said he would not attend the event, after reports earlier this week suggested he would not or that he wished Mr Higgins would not attend.
The event, organised by Holocaust Education Ireland, remembers all the victims of the Holocaust and will take place in the Mansion House next Sunday, 26 January.
Mr Reichental, who is a concentration camp survivor, said he has "a very good relationship" with the President and that although he had hoped somebody else might speak this year, he looked forward to meeting Mr Higgins and hearing his speech.
"I am glad the president will attend, and I hope the speech will protect the small Jewish community here in Ireland," he said.
Mr Reichental went on to say he hopes President Higgins "does not touch on the Israel issue", and that he "should avoid the whole subject and concentrate on the Jewish community in Ireland."
It comes after fierce criticism of earlier comments made by the President when he was talking about the Israel-Gaza conflict, including when he accused the Israeli embassy of circulating a letter he had sent to the Iranian president.
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Diplomatic ties between Ireland and Israel have been fraught, after Ireland officially recognised the State of Palestine which led to Israel announcing the closure of its embassy here.
President Higgins has repeatedly condemned the actions of Israel in Gaza and previously said it is a "deep slander" and "a very serious business" to describe the Irish people as anti-Semitic.
Ireland's Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder said the President has "neglected even to acknowledge the scourge of contemporary anti-Semitism in Ireland, let alone do anything to address it".
Mr Wieder's statement went on to say the President had failed to "take seriously the concerns put to him by representatives of the Jewish community", and back in May, he described talk of anti-Semitism in Ireland as "a PR exercise".
He said: "With that attitude, I fear his address marking Holocaust Memorial Day will inevitably ring hollow for many Irish Jews".
However, the Rabbi confirmed to RTÉ News he will be attending the event.
Oliver Sears, from Holocaust Awareness Ireland - an advocacy group which aims to bring awareness of the Holocaust to Ireland - is also critical of the President's attendance.
He said the invitation should not have been given, a decision he said was "thoughtless".
Mr Sears, who will attend the Mansion House event, echoed Mr Reichental's hopes that the speech does not mention the Israel-Gaza conflict.
"Here is a golden opportunity to express deep empathy for the worst suffering in the history of Jewish experience. Israel-Gaza should not be mentioned [by the President] at all. This is about the Holocaust."
In his speech at last year's National Holocaust Memorial Day, President Higgins urged for an "immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages and to commence the task of achieving such a lasting and meaningful peace as can provide security for Israel, while at the same time realising the rights of the Palestinian people."
The Jewish Representative Council of Ireland said the controversy could give an opportunity for the President to redeem himself with the Irish Jewish community.
In a statement to RTÉ News, its Chairperson Maurice Cohen said it is "vital to acknowledge the criticisms and to respond with humility".
Mr Cohen said "it is the President's duty to ensure that this solemn memorial remains an occasion of redemption in the eyes of the community.
"Ultimately, whether he chooses to proceed or to step aside, I hope that his actions will affirm a deep respect for the memory of the victims."
A spokesperson for Áras an Uachtaráin told RTÉ News the President has accepted the invitation and is working on his speech.
Organisers Holocaust Education Ireland, said it is "grateful for the support and participation of the President and of a number of Taoisigh and government ministers on behalf of the State over the years".
Chairperson of Holocaust Education Ireland, Professor Thomas O’Dowd said the President was invited to give the keynote address last September which he accepted.
He said the event "cherishes the memory of all of the victims of the Holocaust and is attended by people from all walks of Irish life. 2025 will mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War when the horrors of the Holocaust were revealed".
The Mansion House ceremony will take the form of readings, survivors’ recollections, the Scroll of Names, candle lighting, and music.
