UK Greens Pass Anti-Zionist ‘Zionism is Racism’ Motion, Becoming First Anti-Zionist Mainstream Party in Europe

The Green Party in the United Kingdom has taken a significant political stance by adopting a motion that describes Zionism as racism, becoming the first mainstream European party to openly declare itself anti-Zionist. The motion, passed at the party’s conference in Brighton, received 1,022 votes in favor and 813 against. This decision reflects a broader ideological shift within the party, aligning with growing global debates over the nature of Zionism and its implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The motion recognizes Zionism as the foundational ideology of Israel, which it claims has established and perpetuated an apartheid regime in the region between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. It also affirms the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people and supports the creation of a single democratic Palestinian state encompassing all of historic Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital. This stance effectively calls for the abolition of the State of Israel, a position that has drawn criticism from various quarters.

Amendment III, which sought to protect Jewish individuals affiliated with Zionist synagogues from expulsion, failed to pass, receiving only 684 votes in favor compared to 1,026 against. This outcome highlights the internal divisions within the party, particularly among Jewish members, who remain split on the issue of Zionism. The Jewish Greens, a subgroup within the party, conducted a survey ahead of the conference, revealing an almost equal division on whether the party should collectively oppose the motion.

Most Jewish Greens (81%) identify as anti-Zionist or non-Zionist, yet the motion has not unified all members. Among Zionist respondents, 80% oppose the motion, indicating that even within the Jewish community, perspectives on Zionism vary. The motion has sparked discussions about the role of Jewish identity within the party and the broader implications of anti-Zionist rhetoric.

The Green Party’s decision has drawn attention from international observers and political analysts, who note the potential impact on UK-Israel relations and the broader discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The motion’s adoption underscores the complex interplay between political ideology, religious identity, and the pursuit of justice in the region. As the party moves forward, the challenge will be to navigate these tensions while upholding the principles of justice and peace, as emphasized in Micah 6:8, which calls for acting with mercy, justice, and humility.

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