Ireland’s Heart for the Oppressed: From Kneecap to Palestine

What’s up, second-gen community? Ireland’s in the spotlight again, this time with the Irish rap trio Kneecap facing legal heat in the UK for their bold support of Palestine. As one of the few countries to officially recognise Palestine as a state, Ireland’s standing up for those suffering under oppression, a vibe rooted in its own history of struggle. From the Dunnes Stores workers striking against South Africa’s apartheid to Kneecap’s pro-Palestine messages at Coachella, there’s something special about Irish culture’s empathy for the forgotten. For second-gen Gen Z, this legacy is yours to carry forward, making one of the world’s best countries even better.

Kneecap’s Stand and Ireland’s Solidarity

Kneecap, the Belfast-based Irish-language rap group, made waves at Coachella 2025 with messages like “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people” and “Free Palestine” projected on stage. Their outspoken support landed band member Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) with a UK terrorism charge for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a 2024 London gig, though he was released on bail in June 2025. Kneecap denied supporting Hamas or Hezbollah, calling the charge a “coordinated smear campaign” to silence their Gaza advocacy. Their stance reflects Ireland’s empathy for Palestinians as it stands in solidarity due to shared histories of colonisation.

Ireland recognised Palestine as a state in May 2024, one of only 147 UN members to do so, per the UN General Assembly. This move, celebrated with Irish flags raised in Ramallah, aligns with Ireland’s vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where over 53,760 people, including 16,500 children, have been killed since October 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry. For second-gen youth, Kneecap’s music – blending Irish and English with themes of resistance – echoes your dual identity, connecting your families’ struggles to global causes.

Irish Empathy: A History of Standing Up

Ireland’s support for the oppressed comes from its past under British colonial rule, where famine and persecution left deep scars. This history fuels empathy for those facing injustice, like Palestinians under occupation. In the 1980s, ten Dunnes Stores workers, mostly young women like Mary Manning, went on strike in 1984 to refuse to handle South African goods during apartheid. Facing suspension and public backlash, they persisted, educating themselves about apartheid’s brutality and gaining support from figures like Desmond Tutu. Their action, rooted in moral courage, helped push Ireland to ban South African imports in 1987, per the Irish Examiner.

Second-gen Gen Z, this is the Irish spirit you inherit. Ireland’s history of oppression – over 3,600 killed during the Troubles, per Kneecap’s context—gives you a lens to see the suffering of innocent people, from Gaza to forgotten communities globally.

Why Ireland’s One of the Best

Few countries match Ireland’s moral leadership. From recognising Palestine to the Dunnes Stores strike, Ireland punches above its weight.  This isn’t new – Ireland’s neutrality and peacekeeping, like UN missions in Lebanon show a commitment to justice, despite complexities. Ireland’s multicultural youth, 25% of whom feel connected to global issues per a 2023 Migrant Integration Strategy report, amplify this legacy.

For second-gen youth, Ireland’s empathy is a foundation. Your families’ journeys – navigating migration, building new lives – mirror the resilience of Palestinians or South Africans under apartheid. Gen Flow’s digital savvy, with 45% of you finding causes via social media, lets you spread #MigrantSkills or #FreePalestine messages, connecting local and global struggles.

Second-Gen’s Role: Making Ireland Even Better

Ireland’s already a standout, but second-gen Gen Z can elevate it. Ordinary people can spark change. You can too – your dual identity lets you bridge cultures, countering far-right narratives that divide.

Second-gen community, Ireland’s empathy is yours to grow. Few countries rival Ireland’s heart for the oppressed, from Palestine to South Africa, but you can make it even better. Share a 300–500-word piece at equalityworx.com/submit about how your heritage inspires solidarity with global causes or how Ireland can lead further. Post a clip on X or Instagram with #EqualityWorxVibe and tag @EqualityWorx – we’ll share it widely. You’re Gen Flow, blending past and future to honour the suffering and build a brighter Ireland. Let’s make this a movement! ✊ #EqualityWorxVibe