Greta Thunberg today deleted a pro-Palestine social media post after critics claimed a stuffed octopus in the photo could be seen as an “anti-Semitic” symbol, with the activist saying the toy helps with his autism.
The 20-year-old wrote: “Today we are striking in solidarity Palestine and Gaza The world must speak out and demand an immediate ceasefire, justice and freedom for the Palestinians and all affected civilians.
While many criticized her do not condemn Hamas attacks on Israel, orOthers questioned why his picture with three other activists showed a blue octopus, calling it an “anti-Semitic trope” for an imaginary Jewish conspiracy around the world.
In response, Ms Thunberg removed the original photo and replaced it with one showing the cut-out octopus.
She wrote: “I have learned that the stuffed animal shown in my previous post can be interpreted as a symbol of anti-Semitism, which I was completely unaware of.
“The picture toy is a tool often used by autistic people as a way to communicate feelings. Obviously, we are against any kind of discrimination and we condemn anti-Semitism in all its shapes and forms. This is non-negotiable. That’s why I deleted the last post.’
Greta Thunberg shared a photo in which she was seen holding a sign that read “Stay with Gaza”. Some questioned why the post included a stuffed octopus
In response, Ms Thunberg deleted the original photo and replaced it with one showing the cut-out octopus
The Swede explained that she was “completely unaware” of the symbolism of an octopus and said she used the toy to help with her autism.
An anti-Semitic propaganda cartoon by one of Nazi Germany’s most famous cartoonists, Seppla (Josef Plank), showing Winston Churchill as an octopus in a cartoon warning of a worldwide Jewish conspiracy. The cartoon depicts an octopus with a Star of David on its head and tentacles encompassing a globe
After Thunberg’s first post, she was accused of glossing over the Hamas terror attacks that killed 1,400 people in Israel.
After Thunberg’s first post, she was accused of ignoring the terror attacks by Hamas that killed 1,400 people in Israel.
The Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said: “Greta Thunberg has a lot to say about a lot of things. But judging by her social media output, she doesn’t seem to be among them, expressing sympathy for the biggest massacre of Jews since the holocaust
“This post directs followers to a number of hateful organisations, some fringe Jewish groups but all deeply hostile to the Jewish state. Ms Thunberg spends her life campaigning for greater awareness of the future of our planet.
“Given the organizations you’re signaling here, you might want to take a moment to think about what kind of human society will live there.”
Investigative reporter David Collier tweeted: “Not a word Israeli victims…not a word about the terrorist attack…not a word about the hostages…’
John Aziz, who describes himself as a The British-Palestinian musician said: “Greta Thunberg called for a ceasefire, but she did not call for the release of the innocent Israeli hostages.
“The world is already forgetting the terrible crimes of October 7 that led to this war.”
Others called her “shameful” and “opportunistic.”
Tamar Schwarzbard, head of digital operations at Israel’s foreign ministry, wrote: “Hamas’ missiles are not made of sustainable materials.
“They also murdered teenagers who could have been your friends. Please speak up.
And Daniel Sugarman, director of public affairs for the Board of Jewish Deputies, said: “Greta Thunberg is suddenly tweeting a bunch about Gaza while downplaying the 1,400 people massacred by Hamas last week and the nearly 200 hostages taken.” and all civilians. affected” is probably the least surprising thing ever.’
It came as Outlander star Sam Heughan hit back at his involvement in a controversial love letter condemning Israel for its attacks on Palestine, saying he “unwittingly signed something” that did not reflect the their beliefs
The letter was signed by more than 2,000 actors, musicians and artists, and accused the British government of “not only tolerating war crimes, but aiding and abetting them”. It resulted in the perpetrators not condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas.
But Heughan, 43, said he did not “fully understand” the intentions of the document, adding that he “opposed terrorism and evil” and was “horrified by the recent horrific actions of Hamas”.
In a post on Twitter yesterday, the actor wrote: “I inadvertently signed something that does not reflect my beliefs. I thought it was a simple call for peace. It wasn’t.
Others called Ms Thunberg “disgraceful” and “opportunistic” for her intervention
I condemn violence in any form. I am against terrorism and evil and am heartbroken and appalled by the recent horrific actions of Hamas. It is disturbing to the core, my heart goes out to all those affected.
‘I don’t know enough and [I am] trying to educate myself about the conflicts in the Middle East. I feel helpless and wish I could help in some way. I pray for compassion, for all the innocent people affected. Peace and love to you all.’
Ms. Thunberg was photographed in another climate change protests yesterday, a day after being accused of a crime against public order.
The activist joined a protest outside JP Morgan demanding that the bank stop funding fossil fuels.
Together with the Fossil Free group Londonstood outside the entrance to Canary Wharf this morning.
They moved to block the bank entrances by sitting on the sidewalk chanting “oily money” and waving yellow flags and banners.
It came just a day after Thunberg was charged with a crime against public order following a protest outside a power station London hotel
Scotland Yard said on Tuesday that protesters were asked to move from the road to the pavement to avoid breaching the conditions.
Greta Thunberg takes part in a Fossil Free London protest in front of JP Morgan in Canary Wharf yesterday
The Swedish climate activist shouts slogans through a megaphone during the demonstration
Ms Thunberg was one of 26 people charged after Tuesday’s rally outside the InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane, which was hosting a major meeting of oil executives.
At today’s demonstration outside JP Morgan, protesters said the bank has been a major source of funding for fossil fuel projects since the Paris Agreement, when governments agreed to limit rising temperatures global average at 1.5 ºC above pre-industrial levels.
Fossil Free London campaigner Henry, who declined to give his surname, said: “Since the Paris climate agreement, they have been the worst financiers of fossil fuels, having provided $434 billion ($357 billion pounds) in finance.
“They are reaping billions in profits every year at a time of worsening inequality when much of the world is being devastated by the climate crisis.
“We believe that there should be no further investment in fossil fuels or funding from JP Morgan and we think that some of their billions in profits should go towards loss and damage to communities affected by climate change and provide the financing for adaptation and mitigation measures”.
JP Morgan declined to comment.
Thunberg was arrested by police during Tuesday’s rally outside the InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane, which was hosting a major meeting of oil executives.
The activist, who was wearing a large badge reading “Oily Money Out”, was one of 26 people arrested at the rally.
She was led into a police van as activists looked on and smiled as officers told protesters to stand down
Following Tuesday’s demonstration, Thunberg was charged with breaching a condition imposed under section 14 of the Public Order Act.
Officers said they asked protesters to move from the road to the sidewalk, which would have allowed them to continue protesting legally.
They said they had imposed conditions to “avoid inconvenience to the public”.
She was bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 15.
A Met Police spokesman said: “We have charged 26 people following a protest outside a hotel in central London.
‘The officers responded to the protest on the morning of Tuesday 17 October and imposed conditions to avoid inconvenience to the public.
“The protesters were asked to move from the road to the pavement, which would allow them to continue their demonstration without breaching the conditions.”