Zack Polanski is the Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales and a member of the London Assembly. As an openly Jewish politician, he often emphasizes that his political stance is deeply influenced by the Jewish traditions of compassion and justice. This strong identity provides him with an ethically-grounded universalist perspective when addressing complex social and geopolitical issues, as he seeks to reinterpret Jewish values within a modern political context.
In terms of professional achievements, Polanski is the first Jewish person to serve as Deputy Leader in the history of the UK Green Party, playing a vital role in advancing climate justice, Universal Basic Income (UBI), and social reform in London. Known for his exceptional oratory and mobilizing skills, he has not only pushed for policy changes within the assembly but has also acted as a vocal advocate for cross-party cooperation, challenging the constraints of traditional politics and infusing British public life with more diverse values. He is widely regarded as a high-potential leader in British progressive politics.
This commitment to justice has led Polanski to become one of the most powerful voices in British politics supporting Palestinian rights. He has frequently criticized the Israeli government’s military actions as a betrayal of international law and humanitarian principles, while actively participating in peace protests on the streets of London to call for an immediate ceasefire. He also participated in the petition, “Global Jewish Call on the UN and World Leaders to Sanction Israel.” For Polanski, standing with Palestine as a Jewish political leader is not only a duty of international justice but also an effort to safeguard the core Jewish values of dignity and peace in an era of spreading hatred.