On April 24, 2025, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) conference in Wexford concluded with a powerful motion condemning "the continuing genocide perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people" and urging the Irish government to impose sanctions. This significant vote came on the final day of the congress, where discussions ranged from educational reforms to pressing global issues.
Among the highlights of the conference were the emotional addresses by Palestinian sisters Tamar and Marah Famaz Nijim, who passionately urged delegates to keep advocating for Palestine. Tamar, a former teacher in Gaza and now a senior invigilator at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, expressed gratitude for the support from Irish educators. "We were proud of our education system but now all the universities have been completely destroyed or are being destroyed," she lamented.
Marah, who was evacuated from Gaza just a week prior, shared her harrowing experiences of life under siege. "Imagine walking two hours for water," she said, painting a vivid picture of the daily struggles faced by Palestinians. "Three or four hours to get medical attention. Being displaced from your home. Living in a tent for a year and a half. I can’t call myself a war survivor because none of us survives inside." Her plea for continued support resonated deeply with the audience.
During her address, Tamar referenced comments made by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, who had previously described the conflict as "a war on children." Highlighting the tragic toll of the ongoing violence, Tamar revealed that an estimated 15,000 of the 51,000 Palestinians killed are minors. "If the Palestinian population were the same as the Irish one, those numbers would proportionally equate to 37,000 and 127,000 dead," she stated, emphasizing the devastating impact on families and communities.
In a call to action, Tamar urged attendees to reflect on their roles in stopping the violence. "Can you put yourselves in our position?" she asked. "It was a shame for educated people to allow something like this to happen." She encouraged everyone to continue protesting and to consider a boycott of Israel as a means of supporting the Palestinian cause.
In addition to the emotional discussions surrounding Palestine, the TUI Congress also tackled pressing issues in education, including the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools. TUI representative Richie Byrnes noted the challenges posed by AI, stating, "It’s mind-boggling. AI isn’t going away, and we’re all trying to figure out how to manage it. When a student can press a button and submit a full project, we lose the value of research, learning, and real effort." This concern reflects a broader debate about the role of technology in education and the need for balance.
The union also highlighted the need for better support for teachers returning from abroad, particularly those coming back from countries like Australia and Dubai. Byrnes emphasized that their experience should be recognized with appropriate pay and conditions. "Any other professional would expect that—and rightly so," he remarked, calling for equitable treatment of returning educators.
Concerns about the proposed changes to the Leaving Certificate were another focal point of discussion. Byrnes stated, "We’re worried. This has to be done right the first time. The Leaving Cert is too important to risk with rushed changes. Teachers and students need clarity and consistency." This sentiment reflects the apprehension many educators feel about potential reforms that could impact the future of Irish education.
As the congress unfolded, it attracted between 600 and 700 attendees, including delegates, guests, and families. Byrnes praised Wexford for its hospitality and the variety of local activities available, including golf at Wexford Golf Club and historical tours in Enniscorthy and Wexford Town. "The town is vibrant, welcoming, and people are already saying they can’t wait to come back," he shared, highlighting the positive atmosphere surrounding the event.
TUI President David Waters also addressed the assembly, reiterating the union’s condemnation of the actions taken by the Netanyahu government, particularly in light of the events of October 7, 2023. His remarks underscored the union's commitment to advocating for social justice and human rights.
As the conference wrapped up, the call for solidarity with Palestine echoed through the halls, reminding attendees of the importance of standing up for those in need, even as they navigated the complexities of their own profession. The blend of personal stories and professional challenges created a unique atmosphere of empathy and urgency, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
In a world increasingly filled with distractions and competing crises, the voices from Wexford serve as a poignant reminder of the power of education and advocacy. As Tamar and Marah Famaz Nijim implored the delegates to keep fighting for justice, their words resonated beyond the conference, urging action and awareness in the broader community.
