Green Party Leader Defends Motion on Zionism Amid Backlash
Zack Polanski states the party will protect the rights of both Palestinians and British Jews following a conference vote that declared 'Zionism is racism'.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has sought to address the controversy surrounding a conference motion that declared 'Zionism is racism', asserting that the party will safeguard the rights of both Palestinians and British Jews. The motion, passed at the party's conference in Brighton, has drawn significant criticism, with some labeling it an 'attack' on the Jewish community and the party an 'extremist party'.
The resolution effectively calls for the eradication of Israel by referencing only a single Palestinian state and states that Zionism, the movement for a Jewish state, will be 'treated as any other form of racism'. Supporters chanted "say it loud, say it clear, Zionists are not welcome here" during the conference.
Polanski, who is Jewish, stated that the Green Party "will not accept any exclusion" based on religion. He emphasized that anti-Semitism and criticism of the Israeli state must remain distinct, and blurring the line is anti-Semitic and endangers Jewish people. "It's our role as a movement for justice to protect both the rights of Palestinians and our Jewish communities here in the UK," Polanski said in a statement released Monday night.
He further committed to ensuring everyone feels safe and welcome within the party, regardless of their background, faith, or place of worship. Polanski expressed pride in the party's "principled position on fighting for freedom and justice for Palestinians" and credited the party's pressure for contributing to the UK Foreign Secretary's decision to end trade with illegal settlements.
Polanski highlighted his leadership alongside deputy leaders Mothin Ali and Rachel Millward as an example of the party's inclusivity, noting their diverse backgrounds and shared values of compassion, fairness, and equality.
The motion passed with 1,022 votes in favor and 813 against. Following the vote, a group of Labour MPs requested that Sussex Police examine the events at the conference. They also urged the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to investigate potential discrimination against Jewish members.
Sussex Police confirmed they have received a letter and are reviewing its contents. An EHRC spokesperson stated that the commission considers each complaint carefully and takes action where appropriate, noting they receive complaints weekly regarding alleged violations of the Equality Act 2010.
The US is also expected to communicate with the British government regarding the Green Party's adoption of the motion, according to Washington's top adviser on anti-Semitism.