In the UK and Glasgow’s streets over the last couple of years, I have heard chants of “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” When I ask protesters about which river or sea they mean, many appear clueless, revealing ignorance behind this divisive slogan.
As a Christian who values the teachings of Calvary Chapel, I feel that this misinformation unjustly focuses on Israel, which is considered God’s chosen nation. In this article, I examine the claims made by activists such as Greta Thunberg and Thiago Ávila, as highlighted by Karoline Leavitt, and how these have been presented by mainstream and legacy media.
In this article, I am going to use the Jewish perspectives of SaharTV and Natasha Hausdorff, and my Christian views, listing six lies they counter to uncover the truth about Israel.
Greta Thunberg and Thiago Ávila: Blaming Israel
The last few days, getting YouTube clips have seen on YouTube of Greta Thunberg and Thiago Ávila, activists on the Madleen Gaza Freedom Flotilla, they call Israel an “oppressive regime” for its Gaza blockade. Ávila accuses Israel of “war crimes,” while Thunberg claims “genocide” and “systematic starvation.” Their Middle East Eye-backed narrative ignores Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, killing over 1,200 Israelis, which prompted Israel’s security measures. By framing Israel as the sole oppressor, they fuel slogans like “from the river to the sea,” spreading misinformation.
SaharTV and Natasha Hausdorff: Countering Lies with Facts
SaharTV, a Jewish YouTuber, and Natasha Hausdorff, a Jewish barrister with UK Lawyers for Israel whose family traces eight generations in Israel, expose six lies about Israel:
- Genocide in Gaza: Activists like Greta Thunberg and Thiago Ávila claim Israel’s committing “genocide” and “systematic starvation” in Gaza. SaharTV calls this “one big lie,” showing photos of stocked Gaza markets and stats of thousands of aid trucks to prove food’s available. Hausdorff refutes the claim, citing Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis as genocidal, not Israel’s defence, and notes an International Court of Justice ruling found no genocide evidence.
- Apartheid State: Critics call Israel an “apartheid state,” like old South Africa. SaharTV, in a debate with a Jordanian, says Arab Israelis have voting rights, Knesset seats, and equal laws—nothing like apartheid. Hausdorff calls it a “blood libel,” noting Israel’s 20% Arab folk have full citizenship.
- Illegal Occupation: Some claim Israel illegally occupies the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, tied to “from the river to the sea” rhetoric. SaharTV points to Yasser Arafat’s rejection of a two-state deal in 2000, showing Palestinian leaders deny Israel’s existence. Hausdorff cites legal principles, saying Judea, Samaria, and Gaza were Israel’s in 1948, not Arab lands.
- Targeting Civilians: Media and Ávila claim the IDF kills Gaza civilians deliberately. SaharTV’s videos show Hamas, not IDF, shot aid-seeking civilians, with proof. Hausdorff criticizes unverified reports, stressing Israel follows international law.
- Famine in Gaza: Thunberg and Ávila’s flotilla suggests Israel’s blockade causes starvation. SaharTV shows aid trucks and market photos to debunk this. Hausdorff cites a Famine Review Committee finding that famine claims lack evidence.
- Israel’s Illegitimacy: The “from the river to the sea” slogan implies Israel has no right to exist. SaharTV defends Jewish history; Hausdorff cites 3,000 years of Jewish roots and the 1947 UN Partition Plan. Their facts align with my belief that these claims are lies against God’s nation.
Bornagainchristians.org: Biblical Support for Israel
At Born Again Christians, we believe that supporting Israel is rooted in biblical teachings, as highlighted in Genesis 12:3. I find myself, Peter, quite upset by the claims made by Thunberg and Ávila, which I see as misrepresentations against God’s people.
To me, the lie against Israel often feels like a spiritual demonic attack, closely connected to anti-Semitism. I am grateful and appreciate the work of SaharTV and Hausdorff in their efforts.
Still, I encourage everyone to always align their claims with scripture, like Zechariah 2:8. As a proud Christian from Glasgow, I believe it’s essential to stand for the truth regarding Israel.
“From the River to the Sea” in Glasgow: Ignorance Exposed
The slogan “from the river to the sea,” often heard in Glasgow’s George Square, suggests the erasure of Israel to create a Palestinian state from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.
When I engage protesters in dialogue and ask them to name the river or sea, they often seem unaware, shrug their shoulders or walk away, highlighting the spread of misinformation.
SaharTV and Hausdorff label this anti-Semitic, overlooking the security needs of Israel. Personally, I view it as unbiblical, going against God’s covenant. Thunberg and Ávila’s activism amplifies this narrative, lacking context about Hamas’s terrorism.
Seeking Truth in Glasgow
Misinformation thrives when Israel is unfairly blamed. Thunberg and Ávila ignore Hamas’s role, while SaharTV and Hausdorff use videos, statistics, and law to defend Israel. Here at Born Again Christians our teachings guide us to seek truth through scripture, supporting Israel.
In Glasgow, challenge slogans like “from the river to the sea” by asking, “What do you mean?”
Check reliable, safe sources such as IDF reports, Amir Tsarfati, Tousi TV, TBN Israel, and Bible verses, including Psalm 122:6, to discern the truth. Let us pray for Israel’s peace and reject lies.
https://youtu.be/-I0i5-rcebw?si=QcCziwKpUIk-ayFE
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