Two Jewish men were rushed to hospital after a horrific knife attack in Golders Green, North London, just days after Green Party leader Zack Polanski suggested fears of antisemitic attacks may be overblown. Counter-terrorism police are now investigating the stabbings, which occurred near the site where four Jewish community ambulances were firebombed last month.
Polanski's Controversial Comments
In an interview with Israeli newspaper Haaretz on April 22, Mr Polanski said that while he is concerned about the rise in antisemitic attacks, the level of risk might be exaggerated. 'We saw arson attacks on ambulances, we know that increasingly Jewish communities are feeling unsafe,' he said. 'There's a conversation to be had about whether it's a perception of unsafety or whether it's actual unsafety, but neither is acceptable.'
He added that 'antisemitism is being weaponised to shut down criticism of the Israeli government.' After the interview, Mr Polanski posted on X that Jewish communities are 'living in fear' amid rising antisemitism.
Political Backlash
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer branded some of Mr Polanski's comments as 'disgraceful'. In response, Mr Polanski accused the Prime Minister of 'playing silly games with a really serious issue' and called for antisemitism to be treated with 'consideration and care and nuance'.
Following the stabbings, Mr Polanski, who is Jewish and changed his name to reflect his heritage, posted online: 'Horrendous attack in Golders Green. Thinking of the victims, their families and everyone who will once again be shaken by this attack. Thank you to all of those involved with the emergency response.'
Public Outrage
However, many on social media blamed widespread allegations of antisemitism within the Green Party for worsening the situation for British Jews. One user sarcastically tweeted: 'Don't know why he's worried, it's probably just a perception of unsafety and a couple of unstabbings.' Another claimed: 'Your leadership of the Green Party is the greatest current threat to the Jewish community.'
Mr Polanski has been a fierce critic of Israel, and party members have attempted to pass a motion declaring 'Zionism is racism', which would brand pro-Israeli members of his own family as racist. During the Hamas atrocities on October 7, 2023, Green deputy leader Mothin Ali posted a video saying Palestinians had the right to 'fight back' and referred to Israel as a 'settler, colonial, occupier'.
The Green Party has been contacted for comment.
