Zack Polanski, a Green Party candidate in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, sparked controversy when he declared himself an anti-Zionist and faced heckling during a Jewish community hustings event. Polanski, who is Jewish, stated that Zionism—the movement advocating for a Jewish state—was a form of racism due to its historical role in the displacement and genocide of Palestinians. His comments were met with boos from the audience, reflecting the sensitivity of the topic within the Jewish community. Polanski emphasized that criticizing the Israeli government and its policies in the occupied Palestinian territories was not antisemitic. He argued that equating such criticism with antisemitism made Jewish people less safe. His remarks come at a time of heightened political and social discussion around the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the line between criticism of government policies and antisemitism remains a contentious issue. The Green Party is currently preparing for its annual conference, where members are expected to vote on a motion to formally declare Zionism as a form of racism in the party’s official policy. This proposal has raised concerns within the party, as some fear it could alienate Jewish supporters. This is particularly relevant in the context of the byelection in Holborn and St Pancras, where Polanski is aiming to take the former seat of Labour leader Keir Starmer. Internal discussions within the Green Party, including leaked WhatsApp messages, suggest that some activists believe Polanski is "struggling to overcome Zionist indoctrination." This indicates ongoing tensions within the party regarding how to address Zionism and its implications for Jewish identity and community relations in the UK. Many Jewish people in the UK are critical of the current Israeli government, but there is also concern that the proposed motion could deepen divisions within the Jewish community.