Assembly stands with London's Jewish community
The London Assembly has reaffirmed its support for London's Jewish community and condemned rhetoric that risks fuelling division and insecurity.
The Assembly expressed concern about a recent Green Party motion defining Zionism as a form of racism, warning that such language risks causing harm to Jewish Londoners at a time of heightened tensions.
Members also called on the Mayor to reaffirm his commitment to tackling antisemitism, engage directly with Jewish community organisations and ensure Jewish Londoners feel safe, valued and able to participate fully in public life.
Susan Hall AM, who proposed the motion, said:
"The 'Zionism is Racism' policy of the Green Party risks being a harmful rhetoric in British politics that must be opposed wholeheartedly.
“I want to thank the Members of the Assembly who today have backed this motion to make clear to Britain's Jewish community that we stand with them in face of antisemitism.
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly strongly condemns the recent Green Party motion defining Zionism as a form of racism and expresses deep concern at the harm such rhetoric risks causing to London’s Jewish community. At a time of already heighted tension within the Jewish community, it risks fostering division, deepening insecurity and lending legitimacy to extreme antisemitic attitudes.
This Assembly reaffirms that antisemitism must be challenged wherever it appears, and that Jewish Londoners have the same right as every Londoner to live openly, practise their faith and participate in public life free from fear, prejudice or intimidation.
This Assembly stands firmly with London’s Jewish community and celebrates its invaluable contribution to the life, culture and character of our city. It further calls on the Mayor to reaffirm his commitment to tackling antisemitism, engage directly with Jewish community organisations, and ensure that every Jewish person feels safe, valued and confident in calling London home.
The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.
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Notes to editors
- The Motion was agreed by 19 votes for and 3 votes against.
- Susan Hall AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact Daniel Zikmund in the Assembly Media Office on 07860647577 or [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.