Zack Polanski faces backlash for controversial remarks on Israel and Palestine during by-election event
Category: Politics
Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, made headlines on Thursday night by declaring himself an anti-Zionist during a Jewish hustings for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. This marked a historic moment as he became the first modern leader of a major British political party to openly identify as such. His comments, made in front of a largely skeptical audience, sparked a heated exchange that highlighted the deep divisions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
During the hustings organized by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the London Jewish Forum, Polanski was asked if he was a Zionist. He responded, "I’m an anti-Zionist, which I know is difficult for people in this room to hear." His declaration came as candidates from other parties, including Labour’s Sagal Abdi-Wali and Conservative Ewan Cameron, affirmed their support for Zionism and a two-state solution. In stark opposition, Polanski described Israel's actions in Gaza as both apartheid and genocide, stating that calling these actions genocide is not antisemitic.
Polanski, who is Jewish, faced a barrage of boos and heckling as he elaborated on his views. He argued that if Zionism is defined as the displacement and genocide of Palestinians, then it is racist. This assertion drew sharp criticism from audience members, some of whom shouted, "It is, it is!" when he insisted that labeling Israel's actions as genocide should not be conflated with antisemitism.
Polanski’s comments come at a time of heightened sensitivity within the Jewish community, particularly concerning discussions around Israel and Palestine. His assertion that many genocide scholars recognize Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide adds to a growing debate about how such characterizations affect perceptions of antisemitism. He argued, "As the Jewish community, we need to come together to recognize that when we call that antisemitic, we are making ourselves as Jewish people less safe." This perspective challenges traditional narratives that often conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism, a point that resonates with some but raises alarms for others.
The hustings, held in a north London synagogue, was intended to address local issues but quickly transformed into a platform for discussing broader geopolitical concerns. The audience, primarily composed of individuals concerned about rising antisemitism and the safety of Jews, reacted strongly to Polanski’s rhetoric. His refusal to affirm Israel's right to exist or endorse a two-state solution was particularly contentious, leading to shouts of "Where do the Jews go?" from attendees.
Polanski’s declaration of anti-Zionism has stirred a complex political environment, both within his party and the broader British political discourse. His remarks have drawn ire from the audience at the hustings and from segments of the Jewish community who feel betrayed by his stance. Critics have labeled him as someone who is undermining Jewish safety and have expressed concern that his views align with anti-Zionist sentiments that could fuel antisemitism.
On the other hand, Polanski's comments may resonate with a segment of the Green Party and its supporters who advocate for a more aggressive stance against what they perceive as Israeli oppression of Palestinians. Within the party, there is an impending motion to declare Zionism as racism, which could put Polanski at odds with more moderate voices who advocate for a balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Historically, previous leaders of major British parties have opposed Zionism in various forms, but Polanski's explicit self-identification as an anti-Zionist is a departure from the norm. This shift could have electoral implications as the Green Party seeks to solidify its base among progressive voters who prioritize human rights issues.
As the Holborn and St Pancras by-election approaches on October 8, 2026, Polanski's controversial stance will likely continue to be a focal point of discussion. Observers should monitor how his comments impact voter sentiment, particularly among Jewish constituents who may feel alienated by his rhetoric. The upcoming Green Party conference will also be a key event, as it will address the motion to declare Zionism as racism, potentially shaping the party's future direction on this contentious issue.
With the political climate becoming increasingly polarized, Polanski’s position may either galvanize support within certain progressive circles or alienate moderate voters who are wary of his anti-Zionist stance. The reactions from both the Jewish community and the wider electorate will be telling as the election date nears.