Greta Thunberg, the prominent Swedish advocate for climate justice, has been outspoken in her support for Palestine, drawing criticism for her perceived pro-Palestinian stance. Here are five occasions where she boldly used her influence to advocate for Palestinian liberation:
1. On October 5th, 2021, Thunberg shared a post by the author Naomi Klein on X (previously Twitter) to bring attention to the dire situation unfolding in Sheikh Jarrah, a neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem.
Devastating to follow the developments in Jerusalem and Gaza... #SaveSheikhJarrah https://t.co/jYx9HP1ewl
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) May 10, 2021
2. In reaction to Israel's continued airstrikes on Gaza, on October 20th, Thunberg expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza via X and Instagram. A photograph showed the Swedish activist alongside three others holding signs supporting "Free Palestine" and "Stand with Gaza." Subsequently, she faced false accusations of anti-Semitism for including a stuffed toy octopus in the image and for not explicitly condemning Hamas. Thunberg deleted the original post and reposted her statement of solidarity, this time with a cropped version of the same photo.
Week 270. 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.#FreePalestine #IStandWithPalestine #StandWithGaza #FridaysForFuture
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) October 20, 2023
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3. During a climate march in Amsterdam on November 12, 2023, attended by thousands, Thunberg donned a Keffiyeh, also known as a Palestinian scarf. Amid her speech, a significantly older man interrupted her on stage as she invited a Palestinian and an Afghan woman to address the crowd. Thunberg stood firm against the intrusion and joined in chants of "no climate justice on occupied land."
4. On February 10, 2024, Greta made headlines again when she wore a Keffiyeh while participating in a banned anti-motorway protest in France. Joined by other activists, Thunberg stood in solidarity with those opposing the construction project, emphasizing the global crisis reflected in such ventures.
5. On March 12, 2024, Swedish police forcibly removed Greta and other climate activists from the entrance of the Swedish parliament after they obstructed it for the second consecutive day. Thunberg, donning the keffiyeh, along with other campaigners, had been staging a sit-down protest to highlight the impacts of the climate crisis and political inaction.