Green Party Activists' Anti-Semitic WhatsApp Messages Leaked Ahead of Key Vote
In a shocking development, leaked WhatsApp messages from Green Party activists have revealed anti-Semitic comments, including describing Jewish people as an "abomination to this planet." This comes as the party prepares for a crucial vote at its spring conference on whether to declare Zionism a form of racism, a motion pushed by the left-wing faction Greens for Palestine.
Conspiracy Theories and Hateful Rhetoric
The messages, obtained by The Telegraph, include baseless conspiracy theories, such as claims that Jewish people were responsible for the arson attack on Jewish charity ambulances in Golders Green earlier this week. Activists debated whether the incident was "staged" to blame Iran, with one suggesting it was an "inside job." Further posts accused Jewish people of "murder, bomb and starve" children, echoing extremist language.
Defence of Controversial Figures
Members of the Greens for Palestine group also discussed and defended Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan, a former NHS doctor charged with inviting support for Hamas and stirring up racial hatred. In the messages, activists praised her for calling protesters in Golders Green "Jews" rather than "Zionists," arguing that using the term "Zionists" was a result of fear of being labelled anti-Semitic. One activist wrote, "Enough of being scared of hurting their feelings while they murder, bomb and starve children."
Political Fallout and Jewish Members' Fears
Jewish members of the Green Party express deep concern that if the motion passes, it could lead to their expulsion based solely on their religion and community involvement. The motion, forced through by Greens for Palestine, would see the party adopt an anti-Zionist stance, ignoring definitions that equate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. It also calls for sanctions on Israel and support for "resistance and liberation from Israeli occupation," effectively backing Hamas attacks.
Campaign Against Antisemitism's Response
The Campaign Against Antisemitism has launched an investigation into the activists' comments, describing the views expressed in the group chat as "straight out of Nazi Germany." They criticized the Green Party for "not only tolerating but amplifying some of the worst rhetoric that we have seen in British politics in a generation."
Labour Party Calls for Action
The Labour Party has urged Green leader Zack Polanski to take immediate action against the members involved, labelling the increase in anti-Semitic comments as "deeply troubling" and the language as "utterly appalling." Polanski, who is of Jewish heritage and has stated he is "proud of my Jewish heritage," faces internal rebellion, with family members fearing he has prioritized politics over his community.
Candidate's Controversial Posts
Tope Olawoyin, a Green councillor candidate in Havering, east London, shared posts on X claiming the Golders Green ambulance attack was an "inside job" and a "false flag" operation. She speculated that the arrested men were "white, probably even Jewish," implying bias in media coverage. Olawoyin, who serves as events officer on the London Green Party's executive committee, hosted Polanski on her podcast during the 2024 election campaign.
Party's Stance and Internal Warnings
A Green Party spokesperson stated, "This exchange does not represent Green Party views." Last month, a briefing document was reportedly shared with activists warning them against posting anti-Semitic comments online, advising them to consider how their posts would look on a newspaper front page. Despite this, the leaked messages show supporters ignoring these warnings.
Broader Implications for the Green Party
Under Polanski's leadership, the Green Party has attracted more far-left activists and shifted away from its traditional environmental focus. The motion to be debated today could formalize this shift, with the Jewish Greens group warning it feels like "an attack on that very basic right of aspiring to lead a safe and secure life" for many Jewish members. The Daily Mail has contacted Greens for Palestine for comment, but no response has been received yet.
