Green Party Leader Defends 'Principled' Stance on Palestine Amid 'Anti-Semitic' Motion Backlash

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has sought to address a growing controversy surrounding a party motion that declared "Zionism is racism," asserting that the party upholds a "principled position" on Palestine while protecting the rights of British Jews.

The motion, passed at the Green Party's conference in Brighton over the weekend, has drawn sharp condemnation and accusations of anti-Semitism. Critics argue that the resolution effectively calls for the eradication of Israel by supporting a single Palestinian state and equating Zionism with racism. The party faces potential investigations by both police and the UK's equalities watchdog, with the U.S. also indicating it will lodge representations with the British government.

Polanski, who is Jewish, issued a statement late Monday night emphasizing the distinction between criticism of the Israeli state and anti-Semitism. "Blurring the line between the two is not only wrong but anti-Semitic, and makes Jewish people less safe," he stated. He pledged to protect the rights of both Palestinians and British Jewish communities, ensuring no one is excluded from the party based on their faith or background.

"As leader, my role is to bring people together and ensure we are all working in unity for the things we believe in and care about: freedom and safety for all," Polanski said. He expressed pride in the party's stance on Palestinian freedom and justice, noting that the party's pressure had contributed to the Foreign Secretary's decision to end trade with illegal settlements.

Polanski highlighted his own position as a Jewish party leader, standing with his deputy leaders from diverse backgrounds, as representative of the party's values of compassion, fairness, and equality.

The motion passed with 1,022 votes in favor and 813 against. It explicitly labels the Greens as an "anti-Zionist party" and states that Zionism will be "treated as any other form of racism." The resolution further supports the establishment of a "single democratic Palestinian State in all of historic Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital."

Supporters of the motion chanted "say it loud, say it clear, Zionists are not welcome here" at the conference. A group of Labour MPs has requested Sussex Police review the events, and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has been urged to investigate potential discrimination against Jewish members.

Sussex Police confirmed they have received a letter and are reviewing its contents. An EHRC spokesperson stated the commission considers all complaints carefully and takes action where appropriate.