The Green Party of England and Wales has found itself embroiled in a contentious debate after the Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned the party as racist. This follows the Green Party’s adoption of a policy declaring ‘Zionism is racism’ during their recent conference, a move that has sparked criticism from various quarters, including within the party itself.

Controversial Motion Sparks Outrage

The declaration by the Board of Deputies comes after the Green Party approved a motion with an overwhelming majority, which defined Zionism as advocating for a Jewish state in historical Palestine, characterized by exclusion or dominance over non-Jewish populations. This policy decision was met with fierce backlash from numerous Jewish groups, who perceive it as granting political legitimisation to prejudice against Jews.

Response from Key Figures

Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies, voiced his disapproval, arguing that no political body has the authority to deem a fundamental part of Jewish identity as racist. He criticized the Green Party’s stance for potentially tarnishing the Jewish community and its institutions, calling for a reversal of this policy and a real confrontation of anti-Semitic elements within the party.

Despite the uproar, a Green Party spokesperson defended the motion, clarifying that the party does not discriminate against Zionist individuals and reaffirming its commitment to campaigning against perceived injustices in Gaza, notably stronger actions against the Israeli government. This position challenges allegations that the motion itself is anti-Semitic.

Political Repercussions and Internal Dissent

The tension over the policy has led other political entities like the Labour Party to reconsider their alliances with the Greens. Labour has issued warnings to local Green groups in existing coalitions, advising them to reject the motion or risk losing support. The conflict places Green co-leader Zack Polanski in a delicate position. Although Polanski, who is Jewish, distanced himself from the vote due to other commitments, he expressed a desire to amend the policy while acknowledging that it will remain party policy until 2028.

Criticism also emerged from within the Green Party, including former leaders and current MPs, who joined external voices in opposing the motion. The internal discord signifies a critical juncture for the party as it navigates external pressures and the potential fallout from its own decisions.

Continued Debate

As the debate continues, the Green Party faces the challenge of balancing its adopted policies with the onslaught of criticism from Jewish institutions and members of its own ranks. The controversy underscores the complexity and sensitivity surrounding discussions of Zionism and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict within UK politics.

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