Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party and a Jewish candidate in the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election, faced boos after describing Zionism as “racism” and characterizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza as genocide. The remarks were made during a hustings event held Thursday evening in central London, hosted by the London Jewish Forum and the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Polanski, who identifies as an anti-Zionist, argued that Zionism, “in practice,” involves the displacement and genocide of Palestinians. When questioned about whether Zionism amounted to racism—an issue debated within his party—he noted the complexity of the term’s definition. “If you’re defining Zionism as a displacement genocide, which is how, in practice, Zionism has become, then that is racism,” he said, prompting mixed reactions from the audience.

He also said that many genocide scholars internationally recognize Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal and maintained that labeling the conflict in such terms should not be considered anti-Semitic. “As a Jewish community, we need to come together to recognize that, when we call that anti-Semitic, we are making ourselves as Jewish people less safe,” Polanski stated, receiving applause from some attendees.

The event reflected ongoing divisions within the British Jewish community and political spheres over the definitions and implications of Zionism, antisemitism, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Polanski’s comments sparked controversy, with members of the audience expressing dissent while others supported his framing of the issues.

The Holborn and St Pancras by-election is scheduled for October 8, with Polanski standing as the Green Party candidate.