UK Greens Offer 'Safe Room' for Jewish Members Amid Tensions Over Israel Motion

Officials at the UK Green Party conference were compelled to organize a 'safe room' for Jewish members amidst a deepening internal division over the party's stance on Israel and the ongoing conflict.

The measure was put in place ahead of a vote on a motion that seeks to officially classify Zionism, the movement behind the establishment of Israel as a Jewish state, as a form of racism. The conference, held in Brighton, experienced a 'febrile' atmosphere, with rival pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations occurring outside the venue.

A Jewish member of the party confirmed the existence of the 'safe room,' stating it was available for use if members felt threatened. The room was utilized on the first day of the conference for a meeting between a rabbi and some Jewish attendees. A Green Party source corroborated this, explaining that a phone number and a room were provided for concerned individuals, who could enter through a separate entrance to avoid protests.

Senior figures within the Green Party, including former leaders Caroline Lucas and Adrian Ramsay, have voiced criticism of the motion, deeming it 'divisive' and 'not helpful.' If passed, the motion would position the Greens as the sole mainstream party in Europe to officially adopt an anti-Zionist stance.

Even Zack Polanski, who is currently seeking to become a Member of Parliament, has expressed concerns regarding the motion's scope. Deputy leader Rachel Millward described the motion as 'problematic' unless amended to include protections for Jewish members. However, joint deputy leader Mothin Ali publicly backed the motion, arguing that it addresses issues of 'ethnic-cleansing' and 'ethno-nationalism,' which he views as inherently racist ideologies.

Security was visibly heightened around the venue, with a significant police presence. Demonstrators from both sides gathered near the seafront. One security guard indicated that preparations were made to 'prepare for the worst,' and thorough searches were conducted.

To facilitate enhanced security checks, the deadline for conference attendance registration was moved forward to September 25, a departure from previous years where same-day registration for 'observer' status was possible.

Members of the Jewish Greens group have drawn parallels between the current security situation and the environment within the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn, a period when Jewish MPs reportedly required protection from anti-Semitic elements. Numerous debates and fringe events focused on Palestine have been scheduled throughout the three-day conference. One session, titled 'Palestine: The Golden Thread that Unravelled Britain,' was chaired by party member Zak Khan, who had previously been detained by the Israeli navy after participating in the Gaza flotilla. The fringe program also featured discussions on alleged 'sportswashing' and sessions hosted by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Despite the internal divisions, Polanski asserted that the Green Party remains 'absolutely united' on the issue, referencing the significant Palestinian casualties in Gaza and the need to halt arms sales to Israel as key points of consensus.