The letter, published on Friday, is signed by members of Priests Against Genocide IRL-UK, including Fr Joseph McVeigh and Fr. Gabriel Dolan, alongside priests from across Ireland.
Addressed to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris, and Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf, the group is urging the Government to intervene to stop the Central Bank facilitating the transfer or approval of Israel Bonds.
The priests say they are part of an international network spanning 62 countries with more than 2,500 Catholic priests, bishops and cardinals. They state the movement was established in September 2025 in response to what they describe as the “disproportionate and excessive actions” of the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.
In the letter, the group argues that Ireland, as the EU “home member state” for Israel Bonds, has a significant role in enabling their sale within the European Union.
They claim allowing the bonds to be sold is “legally, and morally, indefensible” and argue it would breach obligations under the UN Genocide Convention and the International Court of Justice’s 2024 advisory opinion relating to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory.
The priests also reference a recent statement by Amnesty International calling on Ireland to refuse approval of a new Israel Bonds prospectus for 2026.
The letter states: “We believe that it is imperative that the Government take urgent steps to stop the Central Bank of Ireland transferring the Israel Bonds prospectus to any state.”
The group further argues that such investments conflict with the Vatican’s ethical investment guidance, Mensuram Bonum, which prioritises human dignity and discourages investment in the arms and defence sector.
Referencing Ireland’s current Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the priests also renewed calls for the Government to use its position to push for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
Concluding the letter, they urged ministers to “take immediate action to end Ireland’s pivotal enabling role in Israel’s fundraising for genocide and other grave crimes.”
The open letter is signed by Fr Pat Colgan, Fr Gabriel Dolan, Fr Stephen Cummins, Fr Chris McGuinness, Fr Brendan McManus, Fr Joseph McVeigh and Fr Eamonn O’Connor.