U.K. Green Party conference debates controversial 'Zionism is racism' motion
Party leaders and Jewish members warn the proposal risks alienating Jewish supporters and fueling division, while some activists push to reject leadership-backed amendments intended to soften the motion's language and implications
The Green Party of England and Wales voted to recognize Zionism as a form of racism at its conference in Brighton, making it the first major UK political party to do so. The motion, passed by 1,022 members in favor to 813 against, also backs a single democratic Palestinian state with equal rights for all ethnic and religious groups.
Co-Deputy Leader Mothin Ali emphasized the motion's anti-racist stance, stating that Zionism results in ethnic cleansing and the belief that one group of people is superior to another. The motion was endorsed by Holocaust survivor and activist Stephen Kapos, who believes Zionism has no legitimacy and must be rejected. Prior to the vote, there were concerns that Jewish members affiliated with Zionist organizations might face disciplinary action, but the motion explicitly states it is an external matter and has no bearing on internal processes.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish, expressed support for the amendment safeguarding Jewish people's rights within the party.
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