Josh Alston
@joshalston.bsky.social
Historian of Jews in South Africa. Penguin enthusiast. Unenthusiastic about neoliberalism. Green Party England and Wales.
Thankyou for having me!
Thanks very much to @joshalston.bsky.social from Jewish Greens for travelling all the way from Leeds to facilitate a workshop on antisemitism, and thanks to our EDI officer @claregray.bsky.social for organising. We asked lots of questions and learned a lot.
November 29, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Thankyou for having me!
Stephen Pollard misses the point. Farage's schoolboy antisemitism and fascism would be insignificant if he repudiated it, or if he felt contrition. But instead he lies about them in the face of overwhelming evidence or hides behind 'banter'. It's significant because he's still that schoolboy.
November 28, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Stephen Pollard misses the point. Farage's schoolboy antisemitism and fascism would be insignificant if he repudiated it, or if he felt contrition. But instead he lies about them in the face of overwhelming evidence or hides behind 'banter'. It's significant because he's still that schoolboy.
Reposted by Josh Alston
'urged to explain'?? Should be 'called out', 'criticised' or even 'causes outrage'.
The explanation is quite simple - he's a bigoted antisemite who thinks nothing of voicing these once-unconscionable views to whip up support, knowing he won't get any pushback from the 'establishment' 🤷🏻♀️
The explanation is quite simple - he's a bigoted antisemite who thinks nothing of voicing these once-unconscionable views to whip up support, knowing he won't get any pushback from the 'establishment' 🤷🏻♀️
Farage urged to explain conspiracy theories linked to antisemitism he voiced in US media
Farage urged to explain conspiracy theories linked to antisemitism he voiced in US media
Exclusive: The Reform UK leader discussed far-right talking points in web TV and radio appearances between 2009 and 2018
Nigel Farage is facing calls to explain why he repeatedly aired tropes and conspiracy theories associated with antisemitism during interviews, after claims the Reform UK leader used racist language in his teens.
In appearances on US TV shows and podcasts earlier in his political career, Farage discussed supposed plots by bankers to create a global government, citing Goldman Sachs, the Bilderberg group and the financier George Soros as threats to democracy. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:33 AM
'urged to explain'?? Should be 'called out', 'criticised' or even 'causes outrage'.
The explanation is quite simple - he's a bigoted antisemite who thinks nothing of voicing these once-unconscionable views to whip up support, knowing he won't get any pushback from the 'establishment' 🤷🏻♀️
The explanation is quite simple - he's a bigoted antisemite who thinks nothing of voicing these once-unconscionable views to whip up support, knowing he won't get any pushback from the 'establishment' 🤷🏻♀️
Reposted by Josh Alston
this week's newsletter is titled "aren't you tired of feeling insane all the time?" and I think it speaks for itself
it is also free to read
youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
it is also free to read
youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
November 21, 2025 at 10:18 AM
this week's newsletter is titled "aren't you tired of feeling insane all the time?" and I think it speaks for itself
it is also free to read
youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
it is also free to read
youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
I say this as an expert in Jewish history, someone who has written about Holocaust memory, someone who has worked at HMD every year in the last 6:
There is no point in holocaust memorial culture if the taboo against comparison is so strong we can't learn from this history.
There is no point in holocaust memorial culture if the taboo against comparison is so strong we can't learn from this history.
So rather than condemn the government's far right immigration policy, one that has clear Nazi overtones, @jewishnews.bsky.social and the Holocaust Education Trust is condemning those who have made such connections? Absolutely disgraceful. www.jewishnews.co.uk/polanski-and...
Polanski and Novara Media condemned for making appalling Holocaust comparisons - Jewish News
The Green Party leader and the far-left website both conflate new government asylum measures with the Nazi seizure of Jewish victims jewellery
www.jewishnews.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 6:07 PM
I say this as an expert in Jewish history, someone who has written about Holocaust memory, someone who has worked at HMD every year in the last 6:
There is no point in holocaust memorial culture if the taboo against comparison is so strong we can't learn from this history.
There is no point in holocaust memorial culture if the taboo against comparison is so strong we can't learn from this history.
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. damn right they're auditors.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Rachel Reeves ‘will announce milkshake tax’ in Budget
Exemption for milkshakes in sugar tax could come to an end when Chancellor announces Budget
www.independent.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 7:40 PM
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. damn right they're auditors.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
As a member of the Green Party's policy development committee I want to congratulate Darren and the Labour Party for having some extremely well worked out and deliverable policies like 'make the country gradually worse' and 'xenophobia'.
If only the Greens could be so practical!
If only the Greens could be so practical!
When Green party critics call our thoroughly researched policies that are often worked through for years "simplistic" "undeliverable" etc, they are never specific about which policies or why.
That's because it would reveal that what they really mean is "our donors don't like them"
That's because it would reveal that what they really mean is "our donors don't like them"
Darren knows that come the next election, Bristol is turning even more Green.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
November 9, 2025 at 12:40 PM
As a member of the Green Party's policy development committee I want to congratulate Darren and the Labour Party for having some extremely well worked out and deliverable policies like 'make the country gradually worse' and 'xenophobia'.
If only the Greens could be so practical!
If only the Greens could be so practical!
Massive congratulation to legendary Africanist political theorist Mahmood Mandami. I believe his son won some sort of election
November 5, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Massive congratulation to legendary Africanist political theorist Mahmood Mandami. I believe his son won some sort of election
Reposted by Josh Alston
David Miller sharing David Clews of UNN / Patriotic Alternative again. One of the chief spreaders of hate and lies about Southport.
October 22, 2025 at 3:51 PM
David Miller sharing David Clews of UNN / Patriotic Alternative again. One of the chief spreaders of hate and lies about Southport.
I want to vote Labour. I really do. They are my people. I prevaricate over basic moral issues every week. But the fact is that under the current electoral system voting Labour would let Reform in. That's why I'm voting tactically Green, like I've done at every election the past 10 years
🚨 NEW | Greens hit 2nd place for first time EVER!
In a @findoutnow.bsky.social poll, the Greens are on 17%, beating the Tories, Labour and the Lib Dems.
In a @findoutnow.bsky.social poll, the Greens are on 17%, beating the Tories, Labour and the Lib Dems.
October 31, 2025 at 11:22 AM
I want to vote Labour. I really do. They are my people. I prevaricate over basic moral issues every week. But the fact is that under the current electoral system voting Labour would let Reform in. That's why I'm voting tactically Green, like I've done at every election the past 10 years
Reposted by Josh Alston
Jenrick's comment on the burqa are just the latest in an ever-lengthening list of rage-bait statements from the Conservative front-bench aimed at fostering racist divisions in our communities.
What women decide to wear is for women to decide – not this or any other man.
What women decide to wear is for women to decide – not this or any other man.
October 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Jenrick's comment on the burqa are just the latest in an ever-lengthening list of rage-bait statements from the Conservative front-bench aimed at fostering racist divisions in our communities.
What women decide to wear is for women to decide – not this or any other man.
What women decide to wear is for women to decide – not this or any other man.
If Lam's immigration plan was applied to the 1930s - not only would she set strict limits on Jewish refugees, condemning hundreds of thousands to death (as Britain actually did) but she would seek to deport Jews who settled in Britain.
October 23, 2025 at 12:25 PM
If Lam's immigration plan was applied to the 1930s - not only would she set strict limits on Jewish refugees, condemning hundreds of thousands to death (as Britain actually did) but she would seek to deport Jews who settled in Britain.
It should be taboo to state that voluntary organisations that you are part of should do something if you are not prepared to take any part in making it happen.
Do you have any extremely niche, but serious, ethical stances?
October 16, 2025 at 11:53 PM
It should be taboo to state that voluntary organisations that you are part of should do something if you are not prepared to take any part in making it happen.
Reposted by Josh Alston
Fellow Greens - please do sign the below.
We didn't have time to debate this emergency motion - on the Yom Kippur murders at a synagogue in Manchester and the arson attach at a mosque in Peacehaven - and I really wish we had.
We didn't have time to debate this emergency motion - on the Yom Kippur murders at a synagogue in Manchester and the arson attach at a mosque in Peacehaven - and I really wish we had.
For Green members: following demand from multiple members been asked to turn the emergency conference motion around the hate crimes that happened last week into an open letter for Greens to show their unified opposition. Please sign and share widely:
Green party open letter on Manchester Yom Kippur killings and Peacehaven attacks
Green Party open letter on Manchester Yom Kippur killings and Peacehaven arson
To Whom It may Concern,
Subject: Yom Kippur killings in Manchester and arson attack in Peacehaven.
On 2nd October 2025 t...
docs.google.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Fellow Greens - please do sign the below.
We didn't have time to debate this emergency motion - on the Yom Kippur murders at a synagogue in Manchester and the arson attach at a mosque in Peacehaven - and I really wish we had.
We didn't have time to debate this emergency motion - on the Yom Kippur murders at a synagogue in Manchester and the arson attach at a mosque in Peacehaven - and I really wish we had.
I wrote this initially about a week before conference. At that time Green Party membership was 72,000. I am now hearing that it's 92000.
Delighted to give @radixuk.bsky.social a preview of some of the big issues that we're going to be thinking about at Green Party conference today.
🌱 The Green Party has new leaders, 12,000 new members, and a strategy of eco-populism. As they kick off their conference, @joshalston.bsky.social explores the question - can the Green Party turn momentum into seats?
Read more 👇
www.radixbigtent.org.uk//news-commen...
Read more 👇
www.radixbigtent.org.uk//news-commen...
October 8, 2025 at 1:43 PM
I wrote this initially about a week before conference. At that time Green Party membership was 72,000. I am now hearing that it's 92000.
Reposted by Josh Alston
This is my neck of the woods. There’s now a gofundme to raise money for the mosque in Peacehaven
I just chucked a fiver their way. Maybe others can do the same? gofund.me/4a015baea
I just chucked a fiver their way. Maybe others can do the same? gofund.me/4a015baea
October 7, 2025 at 12:57 PM
This is my neck of the woods. There’s now a gofundme to raise money for the mosque in Peacehaven
I just chucked a fiver their way. Maybe others can do the same? gofund.me/4a015baea
I just chucked a fiver their way. Maybe others can do the same? gofund.me/4a015baea
This @zackpolanski.bsky.social guy sounds terrible. I've heard people want to hear what he's got to say
October 6, 2025 at 3:34 PM
This @zackpolanski.bsky.social guy sounds terrible. I've heard people want to hear what he's got to say
Delighted to give @radixuk.bsky.social a preview of some of the big issues that we're going to be thinking about at Green Party conference today.
🌱 The Green Party has new leaders, 12,000 new members, and a strategy of eco-populism. As they kick off their conference, @joshalston.bsky.social explores the question - can the Green Party turn momentum into seats?
Read more 👇
www.radixbigtent.org.uk//news-commen...
Read more 👇
www.radixbigtent.org.uk//news-commen...
From fringe to force?
www.radixbigtent.org.uk
October 3, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Delighted to give @radixuk.bsky.social a preview of some of the big issues that we're going to be thinking about at Green Party conference today.
Reposted by Josh Alston
Great news about Dr Atkinson's excellent thesis — now available to read open access!
Happy to say that my recently completed PhD thesis 'Identification Documents and the Governance of Mobilities in,through and beyond Seventeenth-Century London' is now available to download online open-access if anyone ever fancies having a read etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/37...
September 22, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Great news about Dr Atkinson's excellent thesis — now available to read open access!
Reposted by Josh Alston
Our government must place real material pressure on Israel:
September 21, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Our government must place real material pressure on Israel:
Delighted to see that @martinabrams.bsky.social has joined the Greens. We're clearly now the natural political home of the Jewish left!
September 11, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Delighted to see that @martinabrams.bsky.social has joined the Greens. We're clearly now the natural political home of the Jewish left!
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/univers...
I am someone who teaches colonial history and the history of race and have an explicitly left wing perspective on this. Even if I wanted to be - I am not indoctrinating my students. They are already leftists because of society outside of the classroom
I am someone who teaches colonial history and the history of race and have an explicitly left wing perspective on this. Even if I wanted to be - I am not indoctrinating my students. They are already leftists because of society outside of the classroom
Universities ‘poisoning student minds’, says Farage
Populist leader takes aim at higher education in speech on first day of the Reform UK conference in Birmingham
www.timeshighereducation.com
September 6, 2025 at 2:35 PM
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/univers...
I am someone who teaches colonial history and the history of race and have an explicitly left wing perspective on this. Even if I wanted to be - I am not indoctrinating my students. They are already leftists because of society outside of the classroom
I am someone who teaches colonial history and the history of race and have an explicitly left wing perspective on this. Even if I wanted to be - I am not indoctrinating my students. They are already leftists because of society outside of the classroom
Reposted by Josh Alston
Huge thanks to everyone who voted for me in the @greenparty.org.uk Executive elections!
Thrilled to carry out another term in the role of Local Party Support Coordinator. It's time to build a movement to stop Farage! ✊
Thrilled to carry out another term in the role of Local Party Support Coordinator. It's time to build a movement to stop Farage! ✊
September 2, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Huge thanks to everyone who voted for me in the @greenparty.org.uk Executive elections!
Thrilled to carry out another term in the role of Local Party Support Coordinator. It's time to build a movement to stop Farage! ✊
Thrilled to carry out another term in the role of Local Party Support Coordinator. It's time to build a movement to stop Farage! ✊
Reposted by Josh Alston
"I am here to offer bold leadership and to fight for a country where no one is left behind." @zackpolanski.bsky.social writing for The Guardian hours after being elected as the new Leader of @greenparty.org.uk www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This is the Green party’s moment – not Farage’s. As leader, I’ll offer real solutions to Britain’s problems | Zack Polanski
For too long, the richest in this country have accumulated wealth at the expense of the poorest. It can’t go on like this, says Zack Polanski, leader of the Green party
www.theguardian.com
September 2, 2025 at 2:16 PM
"I am here to offer bold leadership and to fight for a country where no one is left behind." @zackpolanski.bsky.social writing for The Guardian hours after being elected as the new Leader of @greenparty.org.uk www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2025/09/02/j...
Our response to the leadership elections - congratulations @zackpolanski.bsky.social! We love you and are very proud.
Our response to the leadership elections - congratulations @zackpolanski.bsky.social! We love you and are very proud.
Jewish Greens statement on the Green Party’s internal election results - Jewish Greens
Jewish Greens react to Zack Polanski winning Green leadership election
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk
September 2, 2025 at 1:15 PM
jewishgreens.greenparty.org.uk/2025/09/02/j...
Our response to the leadership elections - congratulations @zackpolanski.bsky.social! We love you and are very proud.
Our response to the leadership elections - congratulations @zackpolanski.bsky.social! We love you and are very proud.