Greta Thunberg in Mannheim: Climate icon or anti-Semitin? Readers horrified!

Greta Thunberg in Mannheim: Climate icon or anti-Semitin? Readers horrified!

Mannheim, Deutschland - Mannheim experienced a special political spectacle on Friday evening when around 700 demonstrators came together on the city's central market square. Under the title "International Solidarity with Palestine and the Climate Movement", the demonstration combined a mixture of climate protectors and supporters of the Palestinian cause. But the actual star of the event was none other than Greta Thunberg. The young Swede, who was once considered a shining model in climate protection, now ensured turmoil by rushing against Israel at the demo.

The place of the event is steeped in history and explosive at the same time. Just half a year earlier, the policeman Rouven Lauer was stabbed by a radical Islamist. And now, while Thunberg gave her speech, participants of the demo slogans such as "From the River to the Sea - Palestine Will", a statement that from Federal Ministry of the Interior Terror organization was classified.

Thunberg's controversy appearances

It was shortly before 6:30 p.m. when Thunberg entered the stage. In her speech, she once again placed herself as a sharp critic of Israel and spoke of a "genocide in the Gaza Strip". She asked for action provocative and bluntly and conveyed the message that there was no time for reluctance when it comes to Palestine or climate change. An exclamation particularly shocked: "Fuck Israel!" Under a banner with the inscription "Mannheim says no to genocide and zionism", there were next to their Hasan Özbay and Hebh Jamal, who are also criticized by their anti -Semitism. The presence of such figures caused outrage and tightened the already heated discussion about the event.

The Öko stage consisted of an old truck, which was operated by a diesel generator. An ironic choice, you consider Thunberg's commitment to the environment. But according to the organizer, Thunberg at least traveled with the e-bike.

criticism from all sides

The participation of Thunberg and its radical statements did not remain uncommented. The German-Israeli Society Rhein-Neckar expressed sharp criticism and described Thunberg's statements as hatred and agitation that were undesirable in Mannheim. CDU state chief Manuel Hagel also spoke up and expressed the event sharply: "Mannheim does not need a stage for such inhumane positions." However, the organizers did not leave such attacks and defended themselves against "baseless attacks of pro-Israeli lobby groups".

Despite the heated debates and media attention, one thing remains clear: Greta Thunberg splits with her words and her presence. The question of how long this radicalization of the former climate model will last remains open. For many, however, it is clear that the young activist has taken a dangerous way.