Green Party of England and Wales Votes to Equate Zionism with Racism, Sparking Backlash

The motion was passed at the party's conference in Brighton over the weekend, drawing both celebration and mourning among members. Vivien Lichtenstein, the head of the Jewish Greens group, confirmed on Monday that she is considering quitting the party over the decision. Many other Jewish Greens, the majority of whom describe themselves as anti-Zionists, are reportedly weighing whether they remain welcome.

Some party members have questioned the purpose of the vote, arguing it will distract from the pressing goal of keeping international attention on Gaza and holding the Israeli government to account, rather than igniting a divisive ideological debate that could harm the party.

The policy explicitly calls for Israel to be replaced by a single Palestinian state with equal rights for all, and equates Zionism with racism. The move has drawn criticism beyond the party, with Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland commenting on how the vote has been received by many Jewish people outside the Greens.

The Green party has not yet issued an official response to the backlash, and the conference continues this week.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The vote threatens to alienate Jewish members and supporters, potentially fracturing a party that has positioned itself as an inclusive, anti-racist force.
It could shift the broader political debate on Israel-Palestine in the UK, with one of the country's smaller parties taking an unequivocal stance.
The internal division risks distracting from the party's core environmental and social justice priorities ahead of future elections.

Background

The Green party of England and Wales is a left-wing environmentalist party that has long been critical of Israeli policies toward Palestinians. The motion equating Zionism with racism represents a significant hardening of that position. The conference in Brighton is the party's annual policymaking gathering, where members vote on proposed amendments and resolutions.

Key Perspectives

Jewish Greens and critics: Many Jewish members, including group head Vivien Lichtenstein, feel the policy makes them unwelcome, even those who oppose the current Israeli government. They argue the equation of Zionism with racism conflates a diverse range of Jewish beliefs and risks alienating allies. Motion supporters: Those who backed the policy see it as a principled anti-colonialist stance, arguing that Zionism as a political ideology is inherently discriminatory and that replacing the Israeli state with a single secular state is the only path to equal rights for Palestinians. Party pragmatists: Some members worry the vote will dominate headlines and drain energy from campaigns on climate, housing, and social care, while offering little concrete change in the region.

What to Watch

Whether further resignations or expulsions follow, and how the party leadership handles the fallout.
How other UK parties and Jewish community organisations respond publicly to the policy.
Whether the vote influences Green party electoral support, particularly in constituencies with significant Jewish populations.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources