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Greta Thunberg in London

Photo: Handout / Getty Images

These days, it is particularly noticeable what people with high-reach accounts post on social networks, what they take a stand on and what they don't. Climate activist Greta Thunberg is now causing a stir with an organization's post, which she shared on her Instagram story. It calls for a global strike on Friday as a sign "against the genocide in Gaza and the repressive terror of many Western states against all those who show solidarity with Palestine and act accordingly."

The organization "Palestine Speaks" created the post on Instagram four days ago. According to its own statements, it is a "political, feminist, democratic, anti-racist movement in Germany for Palestinian rights." The account contains, for example, critical statements about banned demonstrations in Berlin. One article reads: "Free Palestine from the river to the sea". This refers to the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, so the slogan can be understood as a call for the annihilation of the State of Israel. In the past, the account also called for support for a lawsuit about the "anti-BDS resolution of the German Bundestag". BDS stands for "Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions." This is directed, among other things, against goods from Israel as well as cooperation in culture and science.

Currently, Thunberg's account does not contain any content that would address the Israeli site.

The climate activist already attracted attention in 2021 with a post on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In response to an article by author Naomi Klein, who accused Israel of "one war crime after another," Thunberg wrote: "Devastating to follow developments in Jerusalem and Gaza. #SaveSheikhJarrah". The fact that Hamas rockets were fired at Israel at that time does not occur. (When and how the conflict between Israel and Palestine began, you can read here).

Since the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, there have been repeated pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Berlin, for example, in which some participants cheered Hamas. Anti-Israel graffiti and Stars of David were also found on houses. Jewish Berliners are worried about their safety. Because of fears of extremist statements, the police issued bans on demonstrations. Nevertheless, pro-Palestinian groups continue to gather.

Ani