Jewish Greens Chair Considers Leaving Party Over 'Zionism is Racism' Motion

The chair of Jewish Greens, Vivien Lichtenstein, has stated that she is considering leaving the Green Party after members adopted a motion that declares Zionism a form of racism. This divisive motion, which also supports the establishment of a single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine, has drawn criticism from various Jewish groups and Israel's foreign ministry.

Lichtenstein told the BBC that it is "quite possible" she will leave the party, adding that she is taking time to consult with colleagues before making a final decision. She has been vocal in her opposition to the motion since its inception, arguing that it is unhelpful and does not address the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

The policy motion was endorsed by Green Party of England and Wales members at the party's conference in Brighton, with 1,022 votes in favor and 813 against. The motion defines Zionism as an ideology supporting an "ethnonationalist Jewish state" and advocates for a single democratic Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, equal rights for all, and the right of return for Palestinians and their descendants.

Organizations such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council have countered that Zionism is an anti-racist movement that created a refuge for Jews after centuries of persecution. Lichtenstein herself noted the complexity of definitions, stating she identifies as "both Zionist and anti-Zionist" depending on the context, and criticized the motion for its broadness.

She expressed concern that the motion could lead to the Green Party accusing UK, Israeli, or Jewish organizations, including those working with Palestinians, of racism. Lichtenstein highlighted that many of these groups partner with Palestinians and work against the occupation. She also mentioned that some non-Jews are considering leaving the party because they believe the motion crosses a line and could compromise their ability to associate with a party holding such a policy.

Regarding antisemitism within the party, Lichtenstein acknowledged the presence of "some antisemites in the party" but was uncertain about their presence at senior levels, stating it was not her personal experience.

The party's leader, Zack Polanski, who is Jewish, had attempted to introduce amendments to protect Jewish members and remove the reference to a "single democratic Palestinian State," but these amendments were defeated. Polanski left the conference early to campaign in a by-election, and his absence from the final vote on the substantive motion has been noted.

In response to the motion, Israel's foreign ministry announced it had banned Polanski from entering the country. A Green Party spokeswoman, however, insisted the party would protect its Jewish members and affirmed that they would not face persecution for identifying with Zionist synagogues.

Lubna Speitan, the Green member who put forward the motion, stated that its supporters aimed to oppose "racist systems of oppression" and affirmed unity against "all forms of racism and discrimination - no exemptions."

While the majority of the party's Members of Parliament opposed the motion, party leadership was divided. Co-deputy leader Rachel Millward described the motion as "problematic," while her counterpart Mothin Ali expressed support for it in its original form.

The Movement for Progressive Judaism condemned the motion as "antisemitic in its formulation and intention," asserting that "Jewish self-determination is a right. Declaring it racist is an attack on Jews." Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis also denounced the motion as "poisonous antisemitism."

The motion itself stated that the party "rejects attempts" to equate anti-Zionism with antisemitism and affirmed that "definitions of anti-Jewish discrimination should not equate Jewish identity with Zionist ideology or political practice."

Opposition parties have also reacted strongly. Labour's chairwoman Bridget Phillipson called the vote a "crosses a line," urging Polanski to clarify the party's future stance. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the motion, calling the Green Party "toxic to its core," while Liberal Democrat MP Luke Taylor described the motion as "divisive" and not addressing rising threats of Islamophobia and antisemitism.

The UK and 11 allied nations support a two-state solution, a position that Israel rejects. The Green Party's official policy previously stated it was up to Israelis and Palestinians to choose their future, whether one or two states.