Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party in the United Kingdom, faces growing criticism following a controversial conference that has raised concerns over the party’s direction and handling of anti-Semitism. The party’s recent internal decisions have prompted widespread debate about its future and leadership.

At the Green Party conference held in Brighton, delegates passed a motion declaring support for the existence of Israel as racist, a move that sparked significant backlash and accusations of anti-Semitism. Additionally, a separate proposal intended to protect Jewish members attending synagogues was rejected by a sizeable margin, leading to reports that a ‘safe room’ was arranged for Jewish participants due to fears for their safety. The events have cast a shadow over the party’s commitment to inclusivity and its established reputation as a progressive environmentalist organization.

Amidst the turmoil, Polanski was not present at the conference. Instead, he was campaigning in Camden, using social media to highlight his involvement in local issues such as rent controls and environmental policies ahead of a by-election in Holborn and St Pancras. His absence at a pivotal moment for the party has drawn scrutiny, especially as senior Green Party officials and members struggled to address the controversy inside Brighton.

Polanski, who is the only Jewish leader of a major political party in the UK, has denied accusations of anti-Semitism or racism directed at himself personally. However, critics argue that his leadership has been ineffective in steering the party away from factional divisions and extremist influences. Some accuse him of failing to confront the hard-left elements within the party whose views increasingly dominate its platform.

The fallout has extended beyond the party itself. More than a dozen Labour MPs, led by former Home Office minister Mike Tapp, have called on Sussex Police to investigate whether the conduct at the Green Party conference constitutes hate crimes or incitement to racial or religious hatred against Jewish people. Internationally, the European Green Party has sought urgent discussions with the UK Greens to address the passage of motions that conflict with broader Green positions supporting Israeli and Jewish self-determination. Additionally, Sandy Ruthven, chair of Amnesty International UK, resigned from the Green Party, citing concerns over the new stance taken by the leadership.

The timing of the turmoil is particularly significant as the Holborn and St Pancras by-election approaches, a seat formerly held by Labour leader Keir Starmer. Starmer himself has been credited for taking a firm stance against anti-Semitism within his party, contrasting with the Greens' current challenges. Polling data indicates that the Green Party’s support has declined sharply in recent months—from a high of 16 percent to around 10 percent—raising questions about the party’s viability as a political force under Polanski’s guidance.

As the Greens face a period of intense internal conflict and external pressure, observers suggest that the party’s identity and future depend on reclaiming its original principles of environmentalism and inclusivity. Whether this can be achieved under the current leadership remains uncertain, but the recent developments have undoubtedly marked a critical juncture for both Polanski and the Green Party as a whole.