Greta Thunberg has sparked a wave of anger in Israel following a social media post.
The 20-year-old climate activist shared an image on Instagram where she and three other individuals called for peace and freedom for the Palestinian population amid the escalating conflict between Hamas and Israel.
"Today we strike in solidarity with Palestine and Gaza. The world needs to speak out and call for an immediate ceasefire, justice, and freedom for Palestinians and all affected civilians," Thunberg stated in the post.
Stuffed animal causes uproar
In the photo, Thunberg and others held up signs that read "Free Palestine" and "Stand with Gaza." Also present in the image was a stuffed animal shaped like an octopus, a symbol that has often been used in anti-Semitic propaganda.
"While most Jews condemned Hamas' terror against Israeli civilians, your organization has been completely silent. Then you post this," expressed the Jewish Youth Federation in Sweden on Twitter, adding, "I really hope these signs are recyclable."
Post removed
The image has since been taken down and replaced with a new one where the octopus is absent.
"I have come to realize that the stuffed animal shown in my previous post can be interpreted as a symbol of anti-Semitism, which I was completely unaware of," Thunberg explained.
"The toy in the picture is often used by autistics as a way to communicate emotions. We are, of course, against all forms of discrimination and condemn anti-Semitism in all forms."
Watch the new post below
Israeli military responds
Thunberg's post reached the Israeli military, and they were not pleased with its content.
"Anyone who identifies with Greta in any way in the future is, in my opinion, a supporter of terrorism," said Arye Sharuz Shalicar, spokesperson for the Israeli military, according to Politico.
Spokesperson Apologizes
Shalicar specifically criticized Thunberg for not mentioning Israeli victims. He later apologized for his initial reaction and backtracked.
"I spoke with a deep sense of pain, and my words do not reflect my personal views or those of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces)," he clarified.
