Green Party Candidate Faces Backlash Over 'Inside Job' Ambulance Arson Claims
A prominent Green Party figure has ignited controversy by suggesting that last Monday's deliberate destruction of four ambulances operated by a Jewish charity was an orchestrated "inside job." Tope Olawoyin, a rising star within the party, circulated a series of social media posts alleging the arson attack in Golders Green, north London, was "done by a fellow Jew."
Investigation and Arrests in Hate Crime Probe
The burning of the four ambulances belonging to the Hatzola charity has provoked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. Counter-terrorism police are investigating the incident as a potential anti-Semitic hate crime. Two British nationals, aged 47 and 45, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Both individuals have now been released on bail until April pending further inquiries.
Despite these developments, Ms Olawoyin, a close ally of Green Party leader Zack Polanski, propagated claims labeling the attack a "false flag" operation. This term refers to actions carried out with the deliberate intention of blaming an opponent for them.
Campaign Against Antisemitism Condemns Remarks
A spokesman from the Campaign Against Antisemitism issued a stern rebuke, stating: "Their views are straight out of Nazi Germany... This is a major moment for the Green Party to decide what it is and which side of morality it wants to be on." This criticism comes amidst escalating concerns over the party's handling of anti-Semitism allegations.
Recent leaks of WhatsApp messages have exposed Green Party activists referring to Jewish people as "an abomination to this planet." Furthermore, last month, an internal document was distributed to party members cautioning them against sharing online content that could be perceived as anti-Semitic. The document explicitly warned: "Those who oppose us will be looking for the opportunity to say that we are a bunch of unpleasant, vengeful anti-Semites. They will seek to bait us into making statements emotionally, and smear us whenever they can. Don't take the bait!"
Leadership and Internal Party Tensions
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who was born into a Jewish family and publicly expresses pride in his heritage, spoke at a 'Together Against The Far Right' rally. However, revelations emerged that several members of his family fear potential repercussions if he attains political power, with one relative describing the Greens as becoming "an Islamic party of Britain."
Ms Olawoyin, a council candidate in Havering, east London, for the upcoming local elections in May, holds a position on the party's London executive board and previously introduced Mr Polanski at the annual conference. In the aftermath of the ambulance attack, she shared multiple messages insinuating the event was staged. Following the arrests, she remarked: "I can say with almost absolute certainty that the men arrested are white, probably even Jewish."
Postponed Policy Vote and Technical Issues
At the party's recent conference, a vote on a contentious policy proposal equating Zionism—support for the state of Israel—with racism was postponed. The online event, conducted via Zoom, experienced significant technical difficulties as over 1,000 participants attempted to join. The proposed motion, if approved, would formally declare the party "anti-Zionist" and advocate for support of "resistance" against Israeli "occupation."
The Green Party has been approached for comment regarding these developments, but no official statement has been issued at this time.
