Jewish leaders condemn Green Party policy in vote on antisemitism
The Board of Deputies of British Jews voted 118 to one to declare that the Green Party of England and Wales had adopted an antisemitic platform and become a “racist party”. It said the party’s conference policy describing Zionism as racism stigmatises Jewish identity and gives prejudice against Jews political licence.
The Board urged other parties not to form coalition arrangements with the Greens unless local leaders reject the policy and commit to reversing it. Labour has told some local Green groups in existing coalitions to disown the motion or risk losing its support. The Greens said they do not exclude people for holding Zionist views and described the policy as opposition to the displacement of Palestinians and Israeli government actions.
In short
- The Board of Deputies voted 118 to one to condemn the Greens.
- It called for coalition partners to reject the policy.
- The Greens say the motion does not discriminate against Zionists.
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The case for
The Board argues that defining Zionism as racism can stigmatise a movement many Jews regard as part of their identity and may legitimise hostility towards Jews. On this view, parties have a responsibility to reject language that risks blurring criticism of Israeli policy with prejudice against Jewish people, and coalition partners should seek a clear repudiation.
The case against
The Greens say the policy is directed at Palestinian displacement and Israeli government actions, rather than at Jews or people who hold Zionist views. Supporters may argue that condemning Zionism as a political ideology is a legitimate expression of solidarity with Palestinians and criticism of state policy, and that it should not by itself be treated as proof that a party is racist.
Explained simply
The Board of Deputies of British Jews represents Jewish communities across the UK and speaks on issues affecting them. The Green Party of England and Wales is a political party whose members set policy at its conferences.
Zionism is a movement supporting a homeland for Jewish people, most commonly understood as support for Israel’s existence. People use the term in different ways, and views about Zionism and Israeli government policy are not the same thing.
The dispute concerns whether the Greens’ policy on Zionism unfairly targets Jewish identity or is criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. It matters because it has raised questions about how political parties define antisemitism and how local parties work together in coalitions.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Board of Deputies formally declares Green Party has ‘become a racist party’ after its anti-Zionist policy”.