UK Greens Party Adopts Resolution Labeling Zionism as Racism, Calls for Israel’s Destruction

The UK Greens Party has officially adopted a resolution declaring “Zionism is racism,” following a vote at its annual conference in Brighton. The decision, supported by 1,022 members and opposed by 813, has sparked significant backlash from anti-Semitism organizations and pro-Israel activists who gathered outside the convention center in protest. The resolution calls for the destruction of the State of Israel and the establishment of a democratic Palestinian state encompassing all historic Palestinian territory, with Jerusalem as its capital. It also supports the Palestinian people’s right to resist Israeli occupation and recognizes the right of oppressed colonial peoples to defend themselves.

The resolution was championed by party member Lubna Spitin, who argued that defining Zionism as racism is not a theoretical debate but a necessary stance in the face of Palestinian suffering. She emphasized that Palestinians did not persecute Jews but were victims of crimes they did not commit. Former party leader Caroline Lucas described the move as “divisive,” while deputy leader Rachel Millward called it “problematic.” Despite these concerns, the Greens maintain that the decision reflects a serious and profound discussion among members about the party’s stance on anti-racism, the illegal occupation of Palestinian and Syrian lands, and the need to halt arms sales to the Israeli government.

The party’s leadership reiterated its commitment to anti-racism and opposition to the occupation, stating that these positions remain central to its approach. Party chairman Zack Polanski did not participate in the discussion due to his involvement in a domestic election campaign. The Greens have positioned themselves as a voice for Palestinian rights and a critic of Israeli policies, aligning with broader international debates on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has condemned the resolution, labeling the Greens as a “pro-terrorist body” and accusing them of endorsing Hamas’s ideology, which calls for the elimination of Israel through armed struggle. The ministry criticized the resolution for equating Zionism with racism and for advocating the establishment of a Palestinian state “from the river to the sea,” a phrase often associated with the destruction of Israel. This rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism from pro-Israel groups, who argue that such statements incite violence and undermine peace efforts.

The Greens’ decision has intensified global discussions about the intersection of Zionism, racism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Advocates for Palestinian rights see the resolution as a necessary condemnation of Israeli policies, while critics argue it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and risks normalizing antisemitism. The debate highlights the complex moral and political dimensions of the conflict, with differing perspectives on justice, self-determination, and the role of international actors.

In the context of these tensions, the call for justice and peace remains a central theme. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” The challenge lies in pursuing justice without resorting to division, and in seeking peace through understanding and mutual respect. The Greens’ resolution, while controversial, underscores the ongoing struggle to reconcile these ideals in a deeply divided world.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Hebrew)