UK Green Party Leader Loses By-Election After Party Brands Zionism ‘A Form of Racism’

UK Green Party leader Zack Polanski came second in the by-election for the London parliamentary seat of Holborn and St Pancras, vacated following the departure of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Polanski finished well behind Labour candidate Saeeda Ahmed-Wali, who won the seat.

The election took place days after the Green Party approved a motion at its conference describing Zionism as “a form of racism.” Polanski abstained from the vote, reflecting his personal stance on the issue.

After the results were announced, Polanski, who is Jewish, publicly addressed his party’s decision and his own views on Zionism for the first time. He shared his background growing up in a Zionist household, where he was taught the idea that Israel was a land without a people for a people without a land. As he became more educated, he concluded that this narrative is not accurate and that the current situation involves an ongoing genocide and the displacement of the Palestinian people, which he describes as unequivocally racist.

When asked whether he supports a two-state solution, Polanski stated that he does not believe it is for the Green Party to decide the future arrangement. He emphasized that every country should guarantee equal rights and protect human rights, regardless of faith or religion.

Polanski also addressed concerns raised by members of the Jewish community following his party’s decision, as well as allegations that the motion was antisemitic. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between antisemitism and criticism of the state of Israel, arguing that conflating the two could undermine the security of Jewish communities.

Despite his electoral defeat, Polanski made clear that he has no intention of stepping down as Green Party leader. His remarks reflect a broader debate within political and religious circles about the relationship between Zionism, antisemitism, and the pursuit of justice. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God is the path of true righteousness.

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