By Sohaib Shams
The Board of Deputies of British Jews has officially declared the Green Party of England and Wales to be a racist organization. This decision follows a policy motion passed during the Green Party's recent conference which stated that 'Zionism is racism.'
The Board's Decision and Response
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies, announced that a vote passed with 118 votes to one, declaring that the Greens had become a racist party by adopting an antisemitic platform. The Board's motion urged other political parties to avoid forming coalition deals with the Greens at local or national levels unless they reject the policy. The Board stated that entering into coalitions without such a rejection would demonstrate a failure to treat antisemitism with necessary seriousness.
Green Party Defense and Stance
A spokesperson for the Green Party rejected the Board's characterization, insisting the party does not discriminate against individuals holding Zionist views. The party stated that this designation will not prevent them from speaking out against the situation in Gaza or advocating for stronger sanctions against the Israeli government. The Green Party's motion defined Zionism as an ideology supporting an ethnonationalist Jewish state in historic Palestine to the exclusion or domination of the non-Jewish population.
Leadership Reaction and Political Impact
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish, did not participate in the vote as he had left the conference early to campaign in a by-election. While Polanski expressed a desire to make amendments to the policy, he stated he would not overturn the motion, which will remain party policy until 2028. The motion has faced criticism from several Green MPs, former party leaders, and various opposition political parties.
