For the past few months Greta Thunberg has been under fire from many environmental organisations in Israel and the world alike. It began with an Instagram photo in which she held a sign that stated “stand with Gaza'' and was recorded chanting “crush zionism” in a rally on November 23rd. Later, she told that “The horrific murders of Israeli civilians by Hamas cannot in any way legitimise Israel’s ongoing war crimes” and “Genocide is not self-defence, nor is it in any way a proportionate response.” In this article I will articulate my criticism of Thunberg's actions and words, yet not in the way most media outlets have. Some cheered her on, some found her appalling. I want to highlight how misinformation, lack of knowledge and double standards can be very dangerous to all of those who live through the Israeli Palestinian conflict. The main criticism I hold is her “encouragement” of war instead of peace, which will be described in full below.

The previously mentioned quotes from Thunberg, in my opinion, are solely subjective to the perspective of the reader–if one believes that Israel practises war crimes or not will determine how they view Hamas’s horrifying actions on October 7th and Israel’s militant response. The news, opinions and reports of which Thunberg is exposed to might be very one dimensional. My own exposure in Israeli media, social media and other news outlets vary greatly. Those who live in Israel and Palestine testified numerous times how foreigners’ knowledge lacks and is usually based on a very broad assessment of the conflict. What makes this specific conflict so complicated and intricate is the amount of details and nuances that surround it. From a legal point of view, the discussions in Hug discuss this matter exactly - hether or not Israel had committed genocide is the question. Ethically, I believe both sides are guilty yet what is allowed and what is not during wars brings the matter into this grey area that has inflicted this conflict for the past 75 years.

Many believe that Thunberg should not have brought politics into environmental matters – which I completely disagree with. Working with Naveh Shalom school for peace there is no denying that the two are linked–affecting both sides (View our last article “The War On Our Environment”) Yet, where I believe Thunberg should be criticised is that she called for genocide herself by chanting “crush zionism”, she called for division instead of peace, she called for revenge instead of collaboration. She linked environmentalism with war instead of peace, which is the greatest grievance I have against her as of now. Having a political view and considering Israel’s actions as unjust is not something anyone should be criticised for–people are entitled for an opinion. Yet the space in which she brought her views and the way she articulated them is where I have a problem.

Thunberg should not be judged for having an opinion or viewing this war with different eyes than our own. Yet, the same can be said to them–in her speeches an article, in the Guardian for example, “Advocating for climate justice fundamentally comes from a place of caring about people and their human rights. That means speaking up when people suffer, are forced to flee their homes or are killed – regardless of the cause.” What about the right for life that 1,300 Israelis lost? What about those who were killed and their homes lost in Israel and all around the world for the past centuries? Regardless of the cause. Speaking up is admirable, yet the blindness towards the “other side” from both political leanings has demolished the meaning of justice, legitimacy and validity. All I ask for is understanding, to use your power for peace instead of advocating for a cause that blinds the bigger picture.