Greenwich Council Condemns 'Zionism is Racism' Statement
Unanimous motion follows Green Party policy, with local Jewish residents sharing personal experiences of antisemitism.
Greenwich Council has unanimously passed a motion condemning the Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' statement. The decision on November 11 followed a debate where local Jewish residents described their experiences with antisemitism. The council's motion expressed concern for the impact of the Green Party's statement on Jewish communities.
Bipartisan Support for Council Motion
The council's motion was proposed by Council Leader Anthony Okereke and seconded by Conservative group leader Charlie Davis, signifying cross-party support. The resolution aligned with a statement from the Greenwich Multi-Faith Forum, which noted that the Green Party's motion risked deepening division and undermining the safety of Jewish people.
Personal Accounts of Antisemitism
Michelle Brooks-Evans, treasurer of the Greenwich Multi-Faith Forum and chair of Bromley Reform Synagogue, spoke about recent antisemitic incidents affecting her family. She shared that her daughter had swastikas drawn on her school books, and her son was subjected to antisemitic abuse at university. Rabbi Ephraim Carlebach from Greenwich & Docklands Chabad also addressed the council, urging a stand against hatred.
During Ms Brooks-Evans's speech, an individual in the public gallery displayed a sign stating 'I live in Greenwich. I am Jewish. I believe Zionism is racism'. Council officers confiscated the sign. Palestine activists present were seen filming those speaking.
Proposer of Green Party Motion Challenges Council
Lubna Speitan, the Green Party member who proposed the 'Zionism is racism' motion, attended the council meeting. Ms Speitan stated that the council's motion would not change her view that Zionism is racist. She also challenged the council's investments in companies with interests in Israel, having previously initiated legal action over the authority's failure to divest over £60 million.
Ms Speitan described the council's motion as misleading and divisive, and argued that the Greenwich Multi-Faith Forum excluded anti-Zionist voices. She maintained that conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism is itself antisemitic.
Council's Commitment to Tackling Hatred
Council Leader Okereke stated that the Green Party motion had caused worry and that the council's new motion commits them to tackling all forms of hatred. Cllr Tamasin Rhymes, the Green opposition leader, confirmed her group's support for the motion, citing the Green Party's commitment to equality and the council's duty to uphold anti-discrimination laws.
Following the meeting's conclusion, Ms Speitan shouted remarks about Palestinians and called for a 'Free Palestine' as she was escorted from the chamber by security.
Questions this report answers
01What decision did Greenwich Council make?
Greenwich Council unanimously passed a motion on November 11 decrying the Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' statement. This followed a debate where local Jewish residents shared personal experiences of antisemitism, and councillors from both Labour and Conservative parties supported the resolution.
02Why did the council pass this motion?
The council passed the motion in response to the Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' statement, which had caused concern within Jewish communities. Local residents shared personal accounts of antisemitism, prompting councillors to express solidarity and commit to tackling all forms of hatred.
03Who supported the council's motion?
The motion was proposed by Council Leader Anthony Okereke and seconded by Conservative group leader Charlie Davis, showing bipartisan support. The council's decision also aligned with statements from the Greenwich Multi-Faith Forum, which expressed concern over the Green Party's motion.
04What was the reaction from the Green Party motion's proposer?
Lubna Speitan, who proposed the original Green Party motion, challenged the council's decision, stating it would not change her view that Zionism is racist. She also criticised the council's investments and argued that the council's multi-faith forum excluded certain voices.
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