Moral courage

Due to her outspoken support for the end of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians, Swe dish climate and political activist Greta Thunberg has received major backlash from Western media outlets and public figures, labeling her as an ‘anti-semite’, failing to separate criticism of Israel’s policy and humanitarian crimes with Jewish hate. This shift in narrative unveils a deep hypocrisy within the Western media and political circles. When Greta was demanding attention towards climate change, a cause that was symbolic for Western governments, she was hailed as an icon but the moment she used her activism to speak out against a politically sensitive issue like Israel-Palestine, the applause turned into condemnation and hate.

Greta is not the only victim of this pattern, countless other activists, artists and public figures were vilified once their causes did not align with dominant Western narratives. By weaponising terms like ‘anti-semitism’ to silence criticism of Israel, the Western media not only undermines the adversity faced by Jews but also undermines political dissent. Greta’s activism has always been about justice whether it is political, social or environmental. Her support for Palestine extends her moral framework, it does not betray it.

Kiran lal Kesrani

Karachi