The Green Party in the UK has officially adopted a policy stating that “Zionism is Racism,” positioning itself as one of Europe’s first openly anti-Israel parties.
This far-left socialist group, which originated as an environmental movement, supported the amendment with a vote of 1,022 to 813. They also rejected another amendment that aimed to protect members from disciplinary actions related to their affiliations with Jewish community organizations during a recent party conference in Brighton, UK.
According to the motion, “[Zionism] privileges one ethnic group on the basis of the subjugation of others.” It went on to clarify that the focus is on the political ideology and practices of Zionism, rather than the religious or ethnic identities of those who might identify as Zionists.
The motion stated, “Not all Jews are Zionists, and not all Zionists are Jews.” It outlined that Zionism would be treated like any other form of racism and would be addressed by the party’s anti-racism policy working group.
Additionally, the motion advocated for the liberation of the Palestinian people and the establishment of a “single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital.”
While the UK Green Party is considerably smaller than the Conservative or Labour parties, it still holds four Members of Parliament and two members of the House of Lords.
This resolution essentially calls for an end to Israel as a Jewish state, acknowledging that Zionism—its foundational ideology—asserts Jewish sovereignty over the historical homeland of Israel.
Critics, especially anti-Israel groups, have cited the treatment of Palestinians since many Jews returned to the region.
This motion had originally been scheduled for a vote in the spring but faced delays.
During the meeting where this controversial motion was voted on, Jewish members of the UK Green Party were divided in their opinions. To ensure their safety, they were provided with a designated safe room if they felt threatened during the conference, as reported by various sources.
The Green Party’s current leader, Zack Polanski, was not in attendance for the vote due to a campaign event connected to an upcoming by-election.
Former UK Green Party deputy leader Shahrar Ali expressed his dismay, stating, “This is a very sad day for the Green Party. I am deeply ashamed and horrified at what the party has become.”
Ali further remarked, “Making Zionism is Racism our official party policy has made us the first openly anti-Semitic party in the UK. That conclusion is inescapable.”
Concerns were also raised about the motion advocating for the establishment of “historic Palestine,” which Ali warned would necessitate the complete dissolution of Israel as a nation.
“We’re not talking about 1967 borders here as a baseline for a two-state solution but the total obliteration of the state of Israel as a political entity,” he added.
