All references to Greta Thunberg will be removed from school material in Israel, the country’s Ministry of Education said, after the environmental activist posted a pro-Palestinian photo on social media last week.
Following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which left more than 1,400 Israelis dead, thousands more injured, and at least 200 captured, the 20-year-old uploaded an image of herself with three others holding signs that read, “Stand with Gaza” and “Free Palestine.”
She followed up in a separate message clarifying that she is "against the horrific attacks by hamas."
It goes without saying - or so I thought - that I’m against the horrific attacks by hamas. As I said, “the world needs to speak up and call for an immediate ceasefire, justice and freedom for Palestinians and all civilians affected.”#StandWithPalestine
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) October 21, 2023
Still, her position “disqualifies her from being an educational and moral role model,” the Education Ministry told The Jerusalem Post.
“Hamas is a terrorist organization responsible for the murder of 1,400 innocent Israelis, including children, women, and the elderly, and it has abducted over 200 people to Gaza," the statement read. "This stance disqualifies her from being an educational and moral role model, and she is no longer eligible to serve as an inspiration and educator for Israeli students."
In addition to outraging the Ministry of Education, more than 100 Israeli climate activists were incensed with the photo as well, accusing Thunberg of taking "sides with terrorists, with the worst and darkest representatives of humans, and plainly—with the wrong side of history.”
Israel’s official account on X also responded to her post last week.
"@GretaThunberg, Hamas doesn't use sustainable materials for their rockets which have BUTCHERED innocent Israelis," the account wrote on X. "The victims of the Hamas massacre could have been your friends. Speak up."
.@GretaThunberg, Hamas doesn’t use sustainable materials for their rockets which have BUTCHERED innocent Israelis .
— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) October 20, 2023
The victims of the Hamas massacre could have been your friends.
Speak up. https://t.co/giHNJxeF6N pic.twitter.com/Z4orsm2UjD
Join the conversation as a VIP Member