Tourist in Gaza, identified as Greta Thunberg, claims she was kidnapped on October 7, but critics view these assertions as an insult to genuine victims; her ostentatious act has reportedly resulted in backlash.
In this rant, I'll weigh in on Greta Thunberg's allegation that she faced a "kidnapping" at the hands of Israel's military while on a humanitarian mission to Gaza. As a survivor of the chaotic Nova Music Festival massacre, I feel compelled to share my perspective.
When Greta tossed around that word "kidnapped," my eyebrows shot up in disbelief. The term carries a significant weight in Israel, and I can tell you it wasn't nearly as catastrophic as it was for my brother and me during the Nova Music Festival in 2023.
Back then, my brother and I were mere feet from death multiple times as Hamas terrorists and actual kidnappers descended upon the concert grounds.Our story is far from a bedtime fairy tale picnic.
The Israelis took Greta in, smiled at her, handed her a sandwich - but this environmental activist-turned amateur freedom fighter dares to use the same term. It's an insult to those traumatized by horror.
But, it seems Greta isn't too fussed about accuracy when cameras are rolling. Greta arrived back in Sweden on June 10, voluntarily deported after her "selfie yacht," loaded with barely enough food for a road trip, was intercepted by the IDF.
Some of the fellow activists decided to stay, contesting their detention in court. But, let's be real – Greta shines best in front of microphones, not in courtrooms.
One of those who chose to remain in Israel was Brazilian Thiago Avila, who attended Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's funeral in Beirut last year. Avila even declared himself inspired by the terrorist. Greta, meanwhile, claimed ignorance when asked about her comrades' affiliations. "Why should I ask exactly everyone what exactly they have said about everything?" she spits back at probing reporters.
This 'selfie-crusader' was shown video evidence of the brutal attacks that took place on October 7. Yet, she and her pals turned down the offer. If they had opened their eyes, they might have seen the bloodshed: people being dragged, tortured, executed, and beheaded. That's the "resistance" Greta appears to be supporting.
A genuine "resistance" doesn't target civilians, commit sexual assaults, indiscriminately kill the innocent, or hold hostages for ransom. Those actions don’t reflect the spirit of justice that I once believed Greta stood for.
Now, it's clear to me that Greta Thunberg has lost her way. She's not a savior for Palestinians but a pawn for those crafting their propaganda war against Israel and the Jewish people.
But we're still here—scarred, mourning, fighting, anxious—trying to bring our people back from the grip of darkness. We want peace, but not through lies or PR stunts.
Greta arrived back in Sweden on June 10, proclaiming "Free Palestine" and draping herself in keffiyehs, a symbol of a global intifada. Our struggle is anything but a publicity stunt, and it most certainly is not a show for the cameras.
So, Greta Thunberg, if you ever truly cared about justice, now's your chance to step up. The people who were truly kidnapped are dead, traumatized, or still enduring a living nightmare. Say their names. Tell their stories. Demand their release.
The only way we'll find peace is when people stop regurgitating propaganda and start accepting the truth, even the inconvenient parts. Let's get real about what's happening, Greta. It's high time you opened your eyes.
- Greta Thunberg, despite her self-proclaimed activism for Palestinians, seems to be ignorant about the affiliations of some of her fellow activists who remained in Israel, such as Thiago Avila who expressed admiration for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
- The term 'kidnapped' carries a significant weight, and it's an insult to those who have experienced horror like Greta Thunberg did during the Nova Music Festival massacre, where her brother and she were mere feet from death multiple times from Hamas terrorists and actual kidnappers.
- Greta Thunberg has been criticized for her selective approach to accuracy when cameras are rolling, especially when compared to the sincerity and authenticity of those who have been directly affected by war-and-conflicts, crimes-and-justice, and general-news events.