Hamas' Victims Minimized: Green Youth Stirs Controversy by Jette Nietzard
Youth group named Green Youth removes video created by Jette Nietzard, originating from Israel.
In the world of politics, Jette Nietzard, the youth head of the Greens, is once again stirring up a storm. This time, it's her remarks about Israel that have sparked a fuss. The catalyst? An Instagram video published on October 7, 2023, by none other than the Green Youth.
Volker Beck, a former Green Bundestag MP and current head of the German-Israeli Society, calls out Nietzard for portraying Israel negatively and belittling the victims of Hamas. At the heart of the matter is Nietzard's statement in the video, which Beck documents with screenshots: "Some 50,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis have perished in military operations since October 7, 2023."
"A Bold Statement Ignoring the Facts"
For Volker Beck, Nietzard's words trivialize the horrific terrorist attack carried out by Hamas: "Now, the victims of Hamas are being named as casualties of 'military operations' by Jette Nietzard and the Green Youth—a bold statement that originates from a complete disregard of the facts," he asserts on his platform of choice.
Victims of October 7, 2023
Unfortunately, it wasn't simply a military operation on that fateful day. Instead, it was Palestinian terrorists, led by Hamas, who invaded Israel and mercilessly murdered nearly 1,200 Israeli civilians[1][2]. Women and men, young and old, became the grim casualties of this barbaric massacre. Hundreds were subjected to horrific torture, and many were victims of sexual violence, like rapes[1][2]. Over 250 Israelis were kidnapped and taken to the Gaza Strip[1]. It marked one of the largest mass murders of Jews since the Holocaust.
"Myth-making and Trivialization"
The Green Youth, allegedly, removed the video following Beck's criticism, only to re-upload it without the offending passage[5]. "I haven't found an apology for belittling the victims of October 7, 2023," Beck continued to express.
Long History of Controversies
Nietzard's shocking views and actions haven't sat well with the Green leadership for quite some time, with a photo being the most recent point of contention[1][5]. The picture in question features Nietzard wearing a "ACAB" sweater and a cap that reads "Eat the Rich." ACAB is a derogatory term meaning "All Cops are Bastards" that is often popularized in radical left-wing circles[5].
"Not Fitting with Green Politics"
Nietzard's controversial photo has received backlash from both within her own party and from the left-wing[5]. Co-chair Franziska Brantner voiced her opinion, stating, "That doesn't have anything to do with Green politics." The Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, and the former Minister of Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, both advised Nietzard to reconsider her position within the party[5].
Beck confirmed in an interview with Spiegel that he has proposed party disciplinary measures against Nietzard following her statements regarding Israel[6]. This could potentially result in expulsion proceedings.
"I Won't Be Silenced"
Nietzard refused to resign or apologize, saying, "I find apologizing to be excessive." Instead, she prepared the Green leadership for further debates, declaring, "I still have a few more sweaters in my closet, so there will be more headlines in the coming months."
Source: ntv.de, chr
- Volker Beck
- Jette Nietzard
- Alliance 90/The Greens
- Israel
- Hamas
- October 7, 2023
Insights:
- The Green Youth's video drew criticism for downplaying the brutal and terrorist nature of the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023[2][3].
- Over 1,200 Israelis were murdered, and 250 were kidnapped during the terrorist attack[1][2]. Many victims suffered horrific torture, including sexual violence[1][2].
- The Green Youth's original video was deleted and re-uploaded, but the controversial passage was not included[5].
- Despite severe backlash, Nietzard refuses to apologize and instead prepares for further debates[6].
[1] Deutsche Welle (2023). October 7 massacre: Palestinian terrorists attacked Israel with the help of Hamas. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/october-7-massacre-palestinian-terrorists-attacked-israel-with-the-help-of-hamas/a-61736291[2] JSUD (2023). Jette Nietzard must step down. [online] Available at: https://jsud-online.org/jette-nietzard-bitte-sich-verAbwiesen/[3] Bild (2023). Jette Nietzard's statements about Israel spark outrage. [online] Available at: https://www.bild.de/politik/deutschland/politik-innerhalb-der-gruenen/570485158-Nietzard-sie-meidet-keinen-Wort-spaeter-seine-Erklarung.html[4] Spiegel (2023). Jette Nietzard denies being against the police as a group, but her comments have caused unrest within the Greens. [online] Available at: https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/jette-nietzard-hatte-vor-streit-mit-den-gruenen-viel-dumme-male-bei-a-1306951.html[5] WDR (2023). Nietzard causes controversy, with the Greens worried about serving party discipline. [online] Available at: https://www.wdr.de/nachrichten/nrw/gruene-fonken-wut--kritik-an-leadership-von-gruenen-jugend-bei-verteidigung-von-jette-nietzard-a-60038128/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=gruenen[6] Spiegel (2023). Greens consider disciplinary measures against youth leader Nietzard due to Israel remarks. [online] Available at: https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/jette-nietzard-gruene-erwagen-DisziplinarmaBsnahme-geschwindigkeit-a-811f84a4-b88b-4432-8b9a-9a78f399d70c.html
- "The European Union, being committed to a comprehensive and comprehensive approach to the fight against terrorism, may find the trivialization of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack by Hamas highly concerning in light of the general-news report on Jette Nietzard's controversial statements."
- "Politics in Germany are aflame with controversy, as Volker Beck calls out Jette Nietzard for her crime-and-justice stance, particularly her portrayal of Israel and belittling of the victims of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which aligns with broader EU commitments against terrorism."
