British Jews’ board of deputies declares Greens a racist party over antisemitic platform

Board vote and response

Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg said the motion passed by 118 votes to one. He said the party had become racist by adopting what he called an antisemitic platform, and added that the Board would treat it accordingly.

The Board said the decision would not stop it from opposing the war in Gaza or seeking stronger sanctions against the Israeli government and its leaders. Israel has repeatedly denied that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide.

Warning on coalition deals

The Board said entering coalition agreements with the Greens at local or national level would show insufficient seriousness about antisemitism. It said this would not apply where local party leaders had rejected the policy and committed to reversing it.

Rosenberg said the Green policy casts a slur on much of the Jewish community, including synagogues and communal organisations. He argued that it gives prejudice against Jews political legitimacy.

Policy remains until 2028

Green Party leader Polanski told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that he would not overturn the motion, although he would like to make amendments. The motion is set to remain party policy until 2028. Rosenberg’s declaration and the Green policy have prompted a dispute over antisemitism, Zionism and possible political cooperation with the party.