The Aporia
The Aporia
The Green Party adopted a policy equating Zionism with racism at its annual conference in Brighton. The motion passed by 1,022 votes to 813 and defines Zionism as an ideology supporting "an ethnonationalist Jewish state." It calls for the establishment of a single democratic Palestinian State with equal rights for all citizens, including Jewish people.
Deputy leader Mothin Ali supported the motion, while Rachel Millward described it as problematic. The policy has drawn criticism from some Jewish groups, including the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council, who warned about its implications for the safety and welfare of British Jews.
Party leader Zack Polanski missed the vote to campaign in a parliamentary byelection but supports parts of the motion's argument by noting the death toll in Gaza during Israel’s assault. However, he proposed amendments that were not adopted, such as one specifying the motion should not be used to discipline members based on their affiliation with Jewish community institutions.
The Green Party asserts it remains an anti-racist party committed to equality and human rights for all and opposes racism in any form. They maintain this policy will not result in disciplinary action against Jewish members who attend synagogues considered Zionist.
UK’s left-wing Green Party on Sunday voted to define Zionism as racism at the party’s annual meeting, drawing sharp backlash from British Jewish groups and the Israeli government.
Members of the Green Party, which has five MPs in Britain’s 650-seat parliament and which enjoyed a boost in recent local and special elections, backed the motion at the party’s conference, with 1,022 votes in favour and 813 against.
