NORAID is an abbreviation that stands for "Irish Northern Aid Committee." It refers to an organization that existed from the early 1970s to the late 1990s, with the primary purpose of providing financial and political support to the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in their campaign for a united Ireland. NORAID was initially founded by Irish-Americans, predominantly in the United States, who sympathized with the aims and objectives of the nationalist movement in Northern Ireland.
The organization sought to raise funds through different means, including direct donations, fundraising events, and selling merchandise, all of which were channeled towards supporting the Republican cause. NORAID contributed to various initiatives, such as providing financial aid to the families of IRA prisoners, funding legal defense expenses for alleged IRA members, and supporting political campaigns that advocated for Irish nationalist goals.
NORAID gained significant attention and controversy during its existence, as it was accused by some groups and governments, particularly the British, of indirectly supporting violence and terrorism through their financial contributions. However, NORAID consistently maintained that their support was strictly aimed at helping Irish nationalist organizations achieve a political solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland.
In the late 1990s, NORAID disbanded following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which marked a significant milestone in the Northern Irish peace process. The organization's dissolution was seen as a reflection of the changing dynamics in the region and the desire for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict.
