Councillor Tom Renhard, Leader of Bristol Labour, has condemned "in the strongest possible terms" a Green Party policy declaring that "Zionism is racism", which was approved at the Green Party Conference on Sunday 4 October.
Cllr Renhard said he was "deeply concerned" by the motion, and criticised the conference for also rejecting an amendment that sought to protect Jewish Green Party members from being pressured, proscribed or disciplined because of links to Jewish community institutions, such as synagogues, community centres or denominational groups, that describe themselves as Zionist.
Tom Renhard: 'This motion crosses a line'
"At a time when our communities are facing increases in both antisemitism and islamophobia, political parties should be working to bring people together, challenge hatred in all its forms, and build understanding," he said.
He pointed out that the Labour Government had "unequivocally stated its condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank and is taking action", adding: "The Labour Party has always been clear that criticism of the policies of the Israeli Government is not antisemitic. This motion crosses a line and will only create division among communities in Bristol."
Cllr Renhard also restated Labour's commitment to peace in the region, saying a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine "must remain viable" and that it was incumbent on all political parties to work towards that goal.
Challenge to Bristol Greens
The Bristol Labour leader is now calling on the city's Green Party to clarify its position on the motion, confirm how Bristol's Green councillors voted on it, and condemn the policy and call for it to be repealed.
