He opened his speech by highlighting the party’s membership growth since his election as leader a year ago, noting the gain of hundreds of councillors in England’s May local elections.
However, he avoided discussing a contentious issue that could split the membership ahead of a likely weekend vote on a member‑proposed motion labeling Zionism as racist.
The motion characterizes Zionism as backing an ethnonationalist Jewish state and urges the party to adopt support for a single democratic Palestinian state covering all historic Palestine.
The proposal in its present form has attracted criticism from senior members, among them deputy leader Rachel Millward, who called it “problematic.”
Former leader Caroline Lucas told the BBC that Zionism lacks a single definition and warned that, regardless of the motion’s intent, it risks dividing the party and could be interpreted as indicating that Jewish members are unwelcome.
The motion has also drawn criticism from Jewish organisations such as the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council.
Green MP Sian Berry declined to state how she would vote on the motion, but said she could “absolutely see and feel how strongly many members believe we should go further.”
Under Green Party rules, adoption of the motion would make it official party policy, although it might not appear in the party’s manifesto.
Polanski said he would like the motion amended to clarify that it should not be used to discipline Jewish members who attend synagogues that identify as Zionist.
He also backs revising the motion to replace the demand for a single Palestinian state with support for a “lasting settlement granting equal rights for all,” to be shaped and determined by Palestinians themselves.
When the BBC asked whether he views Zionism as racism, Polanski replied that it depends on how the term is defined.
“If your Zionism entails the displacement of the Palestinian people, that is clearly racist,” he said, adding that he speaks as a Jewish leader of a British political party.
Asked if the conference motion seeks the eradication of Israel, Polanski responded, “That’s why I’m calling for an amendment.”
He added, “I don’t believe the Green Party of England and Wales—or even the British government—should dictate what a future settlement should look like.”
When questioned about Israel’s right to exist, Polanski said, “I believe people have a right to exist.”
Asked again, he replied, “Both Israelis and Palestinians have a right to exist.”
Pressed a third time on Israel’s right to exist, he stated, “Our role as political parties is to defend people’s rights, not the rights of nations.”
Polanski also said he wants the party to concentrate on concrete actions that could make a difference, such as urging the UK government to halt arms sales to Israel and to cease sharing intelligence with the Israeli government.
