Amidst the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, noted global environmentalist Greta Thunberg on sunday expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people at a climate protest in Amsterdam.
Wearing a chequered Palestinian scarf, she addressed a crowd of tens of thousands as she called for a immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Thunberg also took a bold step by inviting a Palestinian and an Afghan woman onto the stage, stressing the importance of listening to the voices of the oppressed in the fight for climate justice.
She said: “As a climate justice movement, we have to listen to the voices of those who are being oppressed and those who are fighting for freedom and for justice. Otherwise, there can be no climate justice without international solidarity.”
However, the 20-year-old eco-protester’s speech faced a disruption when a man seized her microphone, asserting, “I’ve come for a climate demonstration, not a political view.”
Greta’s public solidarity with Palestinians also prompted swift criticism from Israeli-backed organizations. Volker Becker, president of the German-Israel Society DIG, declared that this marked “the end of Greta Thunberg as a climate activist,” suggesting a shift towards an anti-Israel agenda.
The Israeli embassy in Germany echoed this sentiment, accusing Thunberg of misusing the climate stage for her own purposes. This critique was reiterated in a statement, expressing sadness over her actions.
Notably, the Israeli government had already removed Thunberg from its school curriculum after she shared a photo supporting Gaza in late October. The snapshot featured Thunberg surrounded by young women holding signs expressing solidarity with Palestine, with her sign reading, “Stand with Gaza.”
In response to criticism, Thunberg also posted on social media, stating, “Today we strike in solidarity with Palestine and Gaza. The world needs to speak up and call for an immediate ceasefire, justice, and freedom for Palestinians and all civilians affected.” Despite her plea, over 100 Israeli activists conveyed their disappointment in letters to the eco-warrior.
In a significant development, Israel has decided to remove all references to Greta Thunberg from its school curriculum..
Thunberg, known for her impactful activism since 2018, gained prominence for influencing the Swedish election and compelling her family to adopt a more environmentally conscious lifestyle through her school strikes and climate advocacy.
