Zack Polanski, the Green Party candidate in the Holborn and St Pancras by‑election, was heckled at a Jewish community hustings after declaring himself “an anti‑Zionist” and saying that Zionism was a form of racism because it involved the displacement and genocide of Palestinians, according to coverage of the event.
The remarks, delivered at a hustings in Holborn and St Pancras, were met with boos from the audience. Polanski, who is Jewish, sought to draw a distinction between criticism of Israeli government policy and antisemitism, arguing that labelling such criticism as antisemitic could make Jewish people less safe.
“I’m an anti‑Zionist. I think countries have always been ideas and I think things change over time,” he told the audience. “We need to come together to recognise that when we call that antisemitic, we are making ourselves as Jewish people less safe.”
Context inside the Green Party
The comments come as the Green Party prepares for its annual conference, where delegates are due to vote on a motion to declare Zionism a form of racism in official policy. Media reporting has said some party figures fear the motion could alienate Jewish supporters if it is passed.
Internal concern has been reported in the run‑up to the conference. One Green official told reporters that if the motion passed in its current form it risked alienating the UK Jewish community, many of whom are critical of the current Israeli government but could nonetheless feel excluded by a policy equating Zionism with racism.
Separately, leaked WhatsApp messages from some Green activists were reported to show internal disagreement, with one message suggesting some members thought Polanski was “struggling to overcome Zionist indoctrination”.
Electoral stakes in Holborn and St Pancras
Polanski is standing in next month’s by‑election for Holborn and St Pancras, the central London constituency formerly held by the Labour leader. The timing of the Green conference — one week before the expected by‑election vote — has prompted speculation that activists loyal to the party leadership might not attend the conference, potentially affecting the outcome of the motion.
Campaign strategists have warned that internal divisions over the motion could have electoral consequences in a contest where the Greens aim to present themselves as a credible challenger to Labour.
- Event: Jewish community hustings in Holborn and St Pancras
- Candidate: Zack Polanski (Green Party)
- Comments: Declared himself “an anti‑Zionist”; said Zionism involved displacement and genocide of Palestinians
- Party issue: Upcoming conference motion to declare Zionism a form of racism
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Constituency | Holborn and St Pancras |
| Event | Jewish community hustings |
| Party decision pending | Conference motion on Zionism and racism |
Implications and reactions
Polanski’s remarks touch on a wider debate about where parties draw the line between criticism of states and the boundaries of acceptable discourse on Jewish identity and security. The Green Party faces a choice between formalising a definition that many will see as strongly critical of Zionism, and avoiding a move that some officials fear would further strain relations with Jewish voters and community groups.
At the same time, the by‑election magnifies those choices. Party activists who might otherwise attend the conference could remain in London to campaign, altering the composition of delegates and the likelihood of the motion’s passage. The outcome will be watched closely by other parties and community organisations concerned about the tone of political debate and its impact on communal safety.
Reporting on the hustings and the party dispute is based on coverage in The Guardian.
