Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has ignited a firestorm of criticism after a recent environmental protest in Amsterdam took a sharp political turn. The Swedish activist was filmed leading demonstrators in chants of 'Free Palestine' and was seen carrying a prop that critics have labelled as an antisemitic trope.
The incident, which occurred during a march for climate justice, has drawn swift condemnation from Israeli officials and Jewish groups. They accuse Thunberg of exploiting a climate event to promote hatred against Israel amidst its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
From Climate to Conflict: The Amsterdam Protest
Video footage from the event shows Thunberg, clad in a black keffiyeh, enthusiastically leading the crowd in repeated chants. The protest's focus appeared to shift dramatically from environmental demands to the Middle East conflict, catching many observers off guard.
Adding fuel to the controversy, Thunberg was photographed holding a stuffed animal that bore a striking resemblance to an octopus. This imagery is considered by many to be a longstanding antisemitic caricature, historically used to depict Jewish people as a monstrous, controlling force.
Israeli Backlash and Accusations of Hate
The reaction from Israel was immediate and severe. The country's foreign ministry took to social media to denounce Thunberg's actions, posting a video of her chanting with a caption that accused her of 'hate speech'.
‘Greta Thunberg is now a full-blown antisemite and a Hamas supporter,’ the post stated. It further criticised her for ‘ignoring the horrific October 7th massacre’ and choosing to ‘attack the only democracy in the Middle East and the Jewish people’.
This sentiment was echoed by other officials, who expressed disappointment that a figurehead of the global climate movement would engage in what they perceive as the demonisation of Israel.
A Pattern of Pro-Palestinian Advocacy
This is not the first time Thunberg has voiced support for the Palestinian cause. Following the October 7th attacks by Hamas, which triggered the current war in Gaza, she was criticised for a social media post that stated ‘I stand with Palestine’.
Her recent actions in Amsterdam, however, represent a significant escalation from online solidarity to active, vocal leadership at a public event. This has solidified her position as a divisive figure in the context of the Israel-Hamas war, moving beyond her established role as a climate activist.
The controversy highlights the increasing intersection of global activist movements and the complex, often polarising, politics of the Middle East.
