Days after Israel criticised Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg over what it said was an ‘anti-Israel’ post on X (formerly Twitter), Israel’s education ministry has said it will remove any reference to Thunberg in its school curriculum.
The 20-year-old faced criticism over the weekend after she posted on X: “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.”
As per a report by The Jerusalem Post, the education ministry said Thunberg’s “stance disqualifies her from being an educational and moral role model, and she is no longer eligible to serve as an inspiration and educator for Israeli students”.
“Due to her position, when Greta addresses a different topic superficially and dismissively, it inevitably weakens the validity of her climate-related positions,” read the statement by the education ministry.
“People from all walks of life might think that the shallowness she displayed on the other issue could cast doubt on the seriousness and depth of her climate activism. Those with vested interests could exploit this to portray climate activists as unserious and lacking depth.
“Therefore, even without addressing the ethical and moral implications she ignored, Greta is no longer a role model for us in the climate change context. We have plenty of other figures to look up to,” it added.
Several pro-Israel activists also released an open letter to Thunberg stating they were “deeply hurt, shocked and disappointed with your tweets and posts regarding Gaza” and that Thunberg should “look again at the atrocities conducted by Hamas” (TimesOfIndia)
