I strongly oppose the Green Party’s adoption of the “Zionism is Racism” motion – both its substance and the process behind such a misguided, divisive policy.
This is not an abstract debate for me. I am the descendant of Jewish migrants and refugees. My mother fled with her family from the Nazis while my great-grandparents were murdered.
My family history has shaped my belief that people must be safe, treated with dignity and able to live without fear because of who they are.
So I am deeply troubled – and even frightened – when a core part of many Jews’ identity is declared inherently illegitimate.
My main objection is to the simplistic definition that “Zionism is racism”, making opposition to Zionism formal Green Party policy.
The term means different things to different people. Some forms of Zionism are indeed racist and oppressive but historically most Jews have understood it to be a call for security and self-determination.
A Green Party committed to universal human rights and opposing discrimination should recognise that and respect the rights of oppressed groups.
Jewish members like me must be able to belong to synagogues and attend community events, without fears that this will automatically be considered racist or lead to disciplinary action.
Our organisations contain people with diverse views about Israel and Zionism. If Jews are challenged simply because of their identity or associations, acceptable political debate turns into anti-semitism.
I stand firmly with all Jewish communities, who have faced repeated attacks. Even my own synagogue in Hove needs security guards at services.
I am also worried about the processes leading up to the motion. Issues raised by Jewish members in the run-up to conference were not given full consideration.
None of this diminishes my commitment to Palestinian rights. I oppose the occupation and settler violence, the genocide in Gaza and oppression of Palestinians.
I support equality, security and justice for all people in Palestine and Israel, including their right to determine their own political future. Those arrangements should not be imposed from outside.
The party’s leaders have said that Palestinian and Jewish rights are not in conflict. All Greens must demonstrate this in practice.
I reject the proposition that Zionism, in all its forms, is inherently racist and so I will use my rights under the Green Party’s constitution to refuse to abide by this motion.
My election in Queen’s Park shows how many people share our belief that Green values are a force for good.
I have worked in my community for decades, campaigning for public services, climate action and fair treatment for all, especially those facing prejudice like trans people and migrants.
These are the Green politics I will continue to work for: inclusive, principled and rooted in our communities.
I will not be forced out of the Green Party by those opposed to my identity, and I will challenge arguments that are wrong, even at personal or political risk.
Remaining silent would betray my history and the principles that brought me into Green politics.
Councillor Mark Strong is a Green member of Brighton and Hove City Council.
