Tony Greenstein is a British Jewish left-wing activist and author born in 1954. As the son of a rabbi, his Jewish identity profoundly influenced his political consciousness, yet he has always channeled this background into a pursuit of universal justice rather than tribalism.
In his professional life, Greenstein is renowned for his rigorous historical research and prolific writing. He is the author of Zionism During the Holocaust, a book that delves deeply into the highly controversial political links between Zionist organizations and Nazi Germany during World War II. Additionally, he is a veteran member of UNISON, one of the UK’s largest trade unions, and has long served as an organizer within the labor movement. His achievements lie not only in uncovering hidden history but also in his extensive deep-dive commentaries on anti-racism and international politics published in outlets like The Guardian and Labour Weekly.
Greenstein is a pioneering figure in the British pro-Palestine movement. He is a co-founder of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and Jews for Boycotting Israeli Goods (JFBIG), providing essential organizational frameworks for social movements in the UK.
He is extremely radical in the anti-occupation movement, frequently participating in direct protest actions against arms factories. Due to his uncompromising pro-Palestinian stance and fierce critiques of pro-Israel elements within the establishment, he has sparked significant controversy in British politics, leading to his expulsion from the Labour Party. Nevertheless, he remains steadfast on the legal and political frontlines, refusing to back down on matters of principle.
Greenstein’s rhetoric is characterized by sharp logic and a bold use of historical analogies. He has stated clearly: “Anti-Zionism is not only not anti-Semitism; it is actually a true manifestation of the Jewish tradition of seeking equality and justice.” This perspective has had a profound impact among British left-wing intellectuals. In his latest book, ‘Zionism During the Holocaust: The Instrumentalisation of Memory in the Service of State and Nation‘, he analyses the historical link between anti-Semitism and Zionism and how Zionism is mercilessly exploiting the memory of the Holocaust today.