Edinburgh council condemns anti-Zionism policy after impassioned debate

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 19:45 · Archive

Edinburgh Council has formally condemned an anti-Zionist policy adopted by the Green Party of England and Wales.

Edinburgh Council has passed a motion condemning an anti-Zionist policy adopted by the Green Party of England and Wales in October. The party's policy described Zionism as an 'ethnonationalist political project' and equated it to racism. The council will write to the Prime Minister and First Minister reaffirming Edinburgh's opposition to antisemitism and commitment to protecting Jewish communities.

Counsellor Marie-Clair Munro, who successfully lobbied for the motion, expressed concern about the Green Party's policy. She told councillors: 'describing Zionism simply as racism risks making young Jewish people feel their identity and beliefs are being judged.' She acknowledged different interpretations of Zionism within the Jewish community. Seconding the motion, Councillor Tim Jones stated: 'Jewish people in Edinburgh no longer feel safe' and insisted that 'Zionism is not racism. Every nation has the right to self-determination without exception.'

The motion faced criticism from some quarters. Maurice Naftalin, from Progressive Jews for Justice in Israel/Palestine, warned that the motion would 'polarise the debate when what is needed is dialogue and reflection'. Other critics questioned whether Edinburgh Council was the appropriate body to weigh in on the debate, calling the motion a 'gross oversimplification'.

How it is being reported

• Controversial City of Edinburgh Council motion passes after impassioned Zionism debateThe controversial motion was passed by councillors on ThursdayEdinburgh Evening News · 30 Oct, 18:24
• Edinburgh councillors pass motion after impassioned debate over 'Zionism'The motion saw impassioned debate from councillors on Thursday, October 29.Edinburgh Live · 30 Oct, 13:00

In this story: Edinburgh Council · Green Party of England and Wales · Marie-Clair Munro · Tim Jones · Maurice Naftalin · Edinburgh

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