Many Irish Americans are no longer supporting Biden due to his handling of the Gaza conflict.

In 2004, John Francis Mulligan, an Irish-American born in the US, found himself in a poignant situation while in the West Bank.

He was asked by a stranger to accompany her to a funeral. This request came during a time of curfew in Nablus, where Palestinians were prohibited from being outside due to strict regulations by the Israeli armed forces.

Earlier that day, a tragic event had occurred: a young man had lost his life, and according to religious customs, his family urgently needed to lay him to rest within 24 hours. However, stepping outside during the curfew would have meant risking gunfire from the Israeli military.

The mother of the deceased man asked Mulligan if he could join them and stand at the front during the funeral procession, highlighting that he, being white, would not be targeted by gunfire. This request deeply resonated with Mulligan, who grew up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, where he witnessed similar scenes of political funerals and military presence.

Drawing parallels between the experiences in Ireland and Palestine, Mulligan feels compelled to join other Irish Americans in supporting Gaza. The upcoming meeting between Irish leaders and President Biden carries tension, with voices from Ireland and the Irish American community expressing outrage over Biden's backing of the Gaza conflict.

Mulligan, reflecting on his childhood experiences of colonial oppression, condemns the dehumanization and violence inflicted on the Palestinian population, comparing it to historical tactics of starvation used during the Great Famine in Ireland. He sees a disturbing similarity in the playbook of oppression being played out in Palestine.

Cuán McCann, a stick fighting coach of Irish descent in Baltimore, is amazed at how quickly a network of Irish Americans has come together to show support for Palestine. He finds it truly remarkable and inspiring.

"Some people are connected with organizers in Ireland, while others are using social media or discussing with friends and family," explains Cuán McCann, a seasoned advocate with almost 20 years of experience in organizing protests. He describes the rapid and natural growth of the network as astonishing, noting that every conversation he has leads to more connections and discussions with others.

Ireland has a long history of supporting Palestine and has been a vocal advocate. Irish lawmakers were among the first in the West to call for a ceasefire in Palestine, reflecting the strong sentiment among the Irish public. Many Irish citizens believe that Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide, leading to calls for a boycott of meetings involving President Biden.

In response to Biden's support for Israel's military actions, the Irish public has expressed significant disappointment. In November, a mural of Biden in his ancestral hometown was vandalized, reflecting the growing discontent. Irish MEP Clare Daly criticized Biden in a passionate speech, emphasizing that his actions are not in line with Irish values.

Alison O'Connell, a lead organizer with Irish Americans for Palestine, believes that their group can make a difference, especially given Biden's emphasis on his Irish heritage.

Protests against the White House meeting are planned in several states and cities, showcasing the widespread opposition to Biden's stance on the Gaza conflict.

On March 3, Mike Doyle, a fourth-generation Irish teacher from Brooklyn, participated in the "St Pat's for All Parade" in Queens, New York. This parade, an alternative to the official NYC St. Patrick's Parade, saw various groups displaying signs and banners calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Doyle vividly remembers the overwhelming support they received from the people of Sunnyside, a historically Irish neighborhood, as they marched, with cheers for a ceasefire echoing through the streets.

As the election draws nearer, Irish Americans opposed to Biden's backing of Israel plan to voice their concerns not only through protests but also at the polls. While McCann voted for Biden in 2020, he intends to vote "uncommitted" in Maryland's primary to signal his discontent. Similarly, O'Connell's father, a former Republican who supported Biden in 2020, is now undecided due to these issues.

During an "Irish Americans for Biden-Harris 2024 Campaign Kick-off" meeting, Biden emphasized the importance of Irish American support for his candidacy. The swing states with the highest populations of Americans of Irish descent – New Hampshire, Maine, and Pennsylvania – hold significant sway in elections.

Critics have pointed out a lack of attention to Irish American communities as a contributing factor to Clinton's loss in 2016 to Trump.

Mulligan, expressing deep disappointment, questions how Biden can justify the bombing of hospitals, universities, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of children, stating that Biden has lost his vote due to crossing a moral boundary.

Brian O’Dwyer, the vice-president of the Irish-American Democrats Political Action Committee (PAC) and a key figure in the Irish for Biden campaign, emphasizes the significance of the Irish vote, describing it as one of the few remaining swing votes in the United States.

O’Dwyer highlights Biden's victory in 2020, attributing a large part of it to the Irish vote in crucial states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, which had previously voted for Trump in 2016. He predicts that these states will once again be focal points in the upcoming election.

While O’Dwyer acknowledges a shift in sentiment among some Irish Americans regarding Biden's stance on Israel, he maintains that Irish-American Democrats largely support the President's approach. He mentions ongoing efforts to engage with the Irish-American community, both virtually and in person, to understand their perspectives.

Regarding concerns over Gaza, O’Dwyer notes differing opinions within the community but believes that overall, many support Biden's position. He echoes sentiments shared by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in calling for an end to Netanyahu's rule, identifying him as a major obstacle to peace.

McCann, a registered Democrat who collaborates with Irish Americans across more than 30 states, believes that O’Dwyer is disconnected from the true feelings of communities nationwide. He estimates that over 90 percent of the Irish Americans he engages with are in favor of a free Palestine.

When questioned about the current US policy in Gaza

Matt Carthy, the foreign affairs spokesperson for the Irish opposition party Sinn Fein, expressed clear dissatisfaction, stating that the US is aligning with the wrong side of history by continuing to fund and support Israel despite its violations of international law.

Sinn Fein Party President Mary Lou McDonald, during her visit to the US, criticized Biden's approach, emphasizing that he is making significant errors. McDonald is actively engaging with US leaders like Schumer and Representative Rashida Tlaib to address these concerns.

Carthy emphasized a shift in public opinion, particularly within the Irish-American community, recognizing parallels between their own history and the struggles faced by the Palestinian people. Doyle also criticized the Democratic Party's perception, noting a misalignment with the views of younger individuals who reject Israeli occupation.

He emphasized that contemporary Ireland champions anti-colonialism, secularism, and human rights, sentiments that many Irish Americans resonate with. The increasing interest in groups like Irish Americans for a Free Palestine reflects a desire to uphold these values and honor their Irish heritage while advocating for justice and conscience.