AN enormous 350-foot wide message reading “Free Palestine” was scrawled in the sand at a beach in front of US President Donald Trump’s golf resort in Co Clare this week.
A trio of activists wrote the temporary message in response to Israeli attacks in Gaza killing over 50,000 people, including 15,000 children.
Sean Corcoran, who worked alongside two friends to create the sand art on Doughmore Strand in Doonbeg, called for a ceasefire in the region, adding: “Do the right thing Donald Trump.”
He told RTE: “Israel’s actions are being made possible by the USA and other countries who continue to supply them military equipment.”
Sean continued: “I chose the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg as a poignant location for this installation. I thought I would use the privilege I am afforded in this democracy to voice my opinion.
“I believe a turning point has been reached and politicians will need to start responding to growing public outrage.
“The USA and other countries need to stop supporting Israel.
“We all need to insist on a ceasefire. Do the right thing Donald Trump.”
Each letter in the sand art, which Sean’s friends James Corcoran Hodgins and Caoláin Power assisted him with, stood at about 40 foot tall.
But Sean, who is a regular visitor to the US on art projects, admitted that the message at Donald Trump’s golf course in Ireland could land him in trouble if he tries to return to America.
He said: “If the Trump administration decided that my opinions and actions on the sand are anti-Semitic, it’s possible that I would be detained or deported if I try to return.”
The travel advice for Irish people heading to the US in general has not changed, Simon Harris previously confirmed.
However, the Tanaiste said that this advice will be kept “under constant review”.
He added that people have seen “scenes from across America in terms of protest”, specifically when it comes to Palestine, which has brought up concerns.
He said: “It’s important when you go to any jurisdiction to consider the local situation, the local laws, to consider if what is acceptable in Ireland is acceptable in the country that you are visiting and to also know, specifically in relation to the United States, that Ireland has a very large diplomatic presence there.”
TRAVEL RISK
The Union of Students in Ireland, which represents over 350,000 students, has urged students over the risks of “activism” while travelling to the US on a J1 Visa this summer.
The USI said: “While activism is a vital part of student life and a right that should be protected, it is important that students fully understand the possible consequences for their visa status, including the risk of deportation, and take steps to safeguard their participation in such activities.”
Separately, A US- and Israeli-backed group handing out aid in Gaza said all its distribution sites were closed until further notice.
The group urged residents to stay away from these venues “for their safety” after a series of deadly shootings.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said that a reopening date would be announced at a later time.
