Israel's Ambassador to the European Union, Avi Nir, harshly criticized the British Green Party's decision to define Zionism as racism, stating: "If Zionism is racism, then I am a proud racist. In reality, I am a proud Zionist, while the real racists are the Green Party members who supported this motion and opposed an amendment seeking to protect Jewish party members. This decision is based on hatred, lies and arrogance. It will not change the reality of Israel's existence, nor will it undermine the determination of the Jewish people to defend their land and their rights."