Head of Jewish Greens says she may leave party over ‘Zionism is racism’ vote

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Published: 2026-10-05T07:56:07.509Z • Permanent link

Vivien Lichtenstein, the head of the Jewish Greens, is considering leaving the party after it voted to adopt a policy that she believes is unhelpful and divisive. The policy in question is a motion that asserts that "Zionism is racism." The motion was adopted by the party's executive committee last month, sparking widespread outrage and protests among members. Lichtenstein has been a vocal critic of the motion, arguing that it is alienating Jewish voters and damaging the party's reputation.

The controversy surrounding the motion has been fueled by the absence of Zack Polanski, a prominent Jewish Greens member, from the party's executive committee meeting where the motion was adopted. Polanski has been a vocal critic of the motion, and his absence has been seen as a sign of the party's intolerance for dissenting voices. Lichtenstein has said that she believes the motion is unhelpful and will ultimately harm the party's chances of winning elections.

The Jewish Greens are a small but vocal party that has been gaining attention in recent years for its progressive policies on issues such as climate change and social justice. However, the party's stance on Zionism has been a point of contention for many of its members. The party's decision to adopt the motion has sparked a heated debate within the party, with some members arguing that it is necessary to confront the historical injustices faced by the Palestinian people, while others argue that it is a betrayal of Jewish values and identity.

The adoption of the motion by the Jewish Greens has significant implications for the party's relationships with its Jewish constituents and the broader Jewish community. The party's stance on Zionism has already been a source of tension, and the motion's adoption has raised concerns that the party is becoming increasingly alienating to Jewish voters. The party's leadership has faced criticism from within its own ranks, with some members accusing them of being too soft on Palestinian rights and not doing enough to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The motion's adoption has also raised concerns about the party's ability to win elections and form a government. In a general election, the party's stance on Zionism could be a major issue for voters, particularly in constituencies with large Jewish populations. The party's leadership has faced criticism from some quarters for being too focused on radical left-wing policies and not doing enough to appeal to mainstream voters.

The controversy surrounding the Jewish Greens' adoption of the motion is part of a larger pattern of polarization and division within the party. In recent years, the party has been embroiled in several high-profile disputes over issues such as anti-Semitism and Zionism. The party's leadership has struggled to balance its commitment to progressive policies with its need to appeal to a broad coalition of voters.