Letters: Recognising Palestine is a simple decision that boils down to right versus wrong

Ireland is a tiny nation. Our choice is simple. We can become the nation Robert Emmet envisaged when he stated: “When my country takes her place among the nations of the earth, then, and not till then, let my epitaph be written.”

The choice rests with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste: Will Ireland take its place among the civilised nations?

It’s actually not hard. The choice is clear. If right is to prevail then we, the Irish nation, will recognise Palestine as already promised and agreed.

If we don’t, we are moral cowards under the hammer of the US and Israel.

John Cuffe Meath

Biased narrative fails to acknowledge Israel has faced aggression for years

US president Joe Biden is wrong. What precedent does he have for demanding a victim of unbridled aggression restrict its right of self-defence?

Is he demanding Ukraine ship food, medicine and fuel into Russia? Did Churchill send supplies to Germany? Did Truman sue for peace in 1945? No, he nuked Japan into submission.

Israel is the only country that ever restricted itself in combat – endangering its own troops in the process – to reduce collateral damage.

Hamas obscures the distinction between civilians and combatants. Its schools, mosques and hospitals serve as military facilities.

Israel warns civilians to move to safe areas. It fights street by street and house by house, rather than flattening terrorist areas, as anyone else would do.

Israel has established tent cities for Gazans along the coast as it prepares to enter Rafah. Hamas and Islamic Jihad will undoubtedly take advantage of the civilian migration.

Why have Arab states not formulated a plan to house Gazans temporarily in Sinai or elsewhere? Why has Biden tolerated Hamas holding American hostages while he pumps aid into the Strip? Why is his administration castigating Israel, rather than the Palestinians who attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

The World War II allies occupied Germany and Japan until they purged their societies of the evil elements that wrought the havoc. Israel will do the same.

Len Bennett Ottawa, Canada

Heroes who came to aid of Stardust victims deserve recognition for their acts

I recently watched RTÉ’s excellent three-part documentary series about the Stardust disaster.

It accurately portrayed the trauma experienced by all the families and equally, how the State ignored their pleas of innocence on the victim’s behalves.

The Stardust fire destroyed the lives of all those innocent young people, but also the lives of those who survived them.

I still remember where I was on that Valentine’s night of 1981. It will be forever etched in my memory.

When terrorists attacked the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, men and women of the New York police and fire services immediately responded. They did so knowing that they were facing an extremely dangerous and bleak situation. Many were subsequently acknowledged as heroes.

I am drawing a link between 9/11 and the Stardust fire because I recall the heroic work of fire officers, gardaí, doctors and nurses on the night of the fire, and their work for many weeks after.

The Stardust documentary series rightly recorded the heroic efforts of these brave men and women, who performed tasks above and beyond the calling of any human being.

Once the campaign for justice and restitution is complete, it will be time to properly acknowledge the roles of these heroes.

Peter Carroll Castleknock, Dublin

I’ve ditched all streaming subscriptions and still have ample viewing choice

I note Mary McGovern’s letter in which she says there is nothing good to watch (‘Netflix show Bodkin is paddywhackery at its worst and a huge letdown’, Letters, May 18).

We recently cancelled our Netflix account after 13 years of subscribing. In the last three years, we have had Disney, Amazon and Now at various points.

We are now three months subscription-free and have plenty to watch. On TG4, there is the fantastic Belgian police drama 1985.

On RTÉ Player, you can watch The Dry, Obituary, Dopesick and more. On the Channel 4 player, we just enjoyed Danish comedy Seaside Hotel and Dutch political drama Morten.

There is plenty to watch

Garrett Mullan Balbriggan, Co Dublin

Springsteen continues to distinguish himself as a living legend with epic gigs

The king of heartland rock was back with his E Street Band on the Irish leg of a world tour. Suffice to say, he had the entire country dancing in the dark during his two-week sojourn.

Everybody wanted to rock with The Boss after darkness on the edge of town in Belfast, Kilkenny, Cork or Dublin. Tickets were snapped up like gold dust by those born to run.

Bruce Springsteen promised an energetic three-hour gig each night and he delivered with aplomb. The Boss, who was born in the USA, is one of the hardest-working performers in music, so the lucky ticket holders experienced a concert like no other.

Ralph Riegel’s fascinating insights into Bruce’s public and private persona raised my family members’ anticipation of a trip to Páirc Uí Chaoimh last Thursday night to fever pitch (‘Springsteen visits favourite Irish haunts during tour, including Dublin chipper’, Irish Independent, May 13).

At home, we failed to reach a consensus on the greatest song in his impressive repertoire. For me, it’s the haunting Streets of Philadelphia.

Bruce loves performing in Ireland and we love him in return.

Billy Ryle Tralee, Co Kerry

Summer is a time to dress down – just make sure your clothes aren’t too snug

At this time of year, as men of all shapes and sizes (this writer included) venture out in shorts, I recall the woman who wouldn’t let her husband wear shorts in public .

She was convinced the neighbours would assume she married him for his money.

Tom Gilsenan Beaumont, Dublin 9