STORY
The head of Jewish Greens has said she may leave the Green Party following its decision to adopt a policy equating Zionism with racism. Vivien Lichtenstein said the motion was unhelpful and that she would speak to colleagues before deciding whether to remain in the party. The policy was approved at the party’s annual conference by 1,022 votes to 813.
The dispute has also led to criticism of Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who missed the vote and encouraged supporters to campaign in the Holborn and St Pancras parliamentary by election instead. Polanski had unsuccessfully requested that the conference be postponed so the party could concentrate on the campaign, while some members believe greater involvement from the leader could have prevented the motion from passing.
Four of the Green Party’s five MPs opposed the motion, which states that Zionism should be treated as a form of racism and supports the establishment of a single Palestinian state with equal rights for all. Some Jewish members have expressed concern that the policy could affect their involvement with organisations supporting Israel’s continued existence, although supporters of the motion have said this would not happen. Party members are also reportedly considering a legal challenge under equality legislation.