Following the controversy surrounding the motion Zionism is Racism and the misinformation that followed it, the Sheffield Green Party Councillors agreed on the following statement.
“As Greens, we will always uphold universal human rights, which were passed at Green Party Conference. We will never tolerate any form of discrimination, racism or harassment.
We will continue to oppose genocide, ethnic cleansing, apartheid and illegal occupation wherever they occur, and we will continue to speak out against violations of international law and human rights.
On behalf of your local Green councillors, I can say unequivocally that we do not, and will not, conflate either Zionism and Judaism, nor anti-Zionism with antisemitism. Criticism of a political ideology is not, and cannot be allowed to become, hostility towards Jewish people. Equally, opposition to antisemitism must never be used to deny or diminish the rights of Palestinians. Human rights are not a zero-sum game. We know there is no conflict between supporting the rights of Palestinians and supporting the rights of Jewish people.
The Green Party is committed to being an anti-racist party in every way. Within our city, Greens of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds continue to advocate for lasting peace, restorative justice and solidarity with the Palestinian people, just as we do with the people of Ukraine and all those suffering violence and oppression around the world. We will continue to work for a future in which all communities can live in freedom, security, dignity and coexistence, at home and abroad.”
