Jewish Greens chair considers leaving after party adopts Zionism-as-racism motion
Vivien Lichtenstein, chair of the Jewish Greens, said she may quit the Green Party after members passed a motion labeling Zionism as racism, a decision that split senior party figures.
The Green Party of England and Wales adopted a policy motion at its Brighton conference that describes Zionism as a form of racism and calls for a single democratic Palestinian state across historic Palestine. The motion passed by 1,022 votes to 813, despite attempts by party leader Zack Polanski to amend it with protections for Jewish members and to remove language about a "single democratic Palestinian State," both of which were rejected.
Vivien Lichtenstein, chair of the Jewish Greens, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that she has not yet decided whether to remain in the party and that leaving is “quite possible.” She said she opposed the motion from the moment she learned of it, adding that it “doesn’t make any difference whatsoever to Palestinians in Gaza…or the West Bank.”
"I haven't decided yet…It is quite possible that I will leave the party…I'm giving it a little time and to talk with colleagues," Lichtenstein said.
Lichtenstein, who describes herself as both Zionist and anti-Zionist depending on definition, argued that the motion’s wording was overly broad and that Jewish Greens were not consulted during its drafting. She noted a “vast range” of opinions among Jewish Greens, with some supporting the motion, others supporting parts of it, and some opposing it entirely.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council criticised the motion, stating that Zionism is an anti-racist movement that provides a refuge for Jews after centuries of persecution. The Movement for Progressive Judaism also condemned the motion as antisemitic in its formulation and intention.
Party officials said the Green Party would continue to protect Jewish members and that attendance at Zionist-identified synagogues would not be penalised. Co-deputy leader Rachel Millward called the motion “problematic,” while fellow deputy Mothin Ali said he would support it in its original form.
The debate occurs against a backdrop of ongoing international discussions about a two-state solution, which the UK and several allies reaffirmed last month, while Israel continues to reject that framework.