Israel sends kids to bolster Gaza siege in bizarre propaganda stunt

As the aid ship Madleen continues its journey toward Gaza from Sicily, facing Israeli threats of interception and arrest, Israel has launched an unusual public relations stunt involving children.

According to a video widely shared on social media, a group of Israeli children, most under 10 years old, were placed on a boat and sent toward the Madleen, bearing a message aimed at climate activist Greta Thunberg and others aboard.

The event was organised by the Israeli Ministry of Transport and involved child influencer Ben Carso, recently chosen to light the torch at Israel’s so-called "Independence Day". 

In the video, Carso says: "We are the children of Israel, looking for Greta’s boat. We have something to say to you all." Flanked by peers wearing white T-shirts with Israeli flags and the slogan "Am Yisrael Chai" ("The people of Israel live"), he continues, "We’re coming to get you," to which the other children reply in unison, "Yes!"

Carso accuses Thunberg of betraying her principles: "Children tell the truth. Greta, when you were a child, you wanted good, not evil… How did you suddenly become pro-terror? You talk of genocide—how can you not condemn the horrors of October 7th?"

"If you want to feed the people of Gaza, I suggest you condemn Hamas. The truth is, Hamas takes all the food from the people of Gaza, not Israel," he adds, repeating an often used Israeli propaganda line.

Israel’s use of children in this stunt has sparked controversy, drawing comparisons to past propaganda efforts. During Israel’s 2006 war on Lebanon, children were filmed writing messages on artillery shells. Many of them are now adults, reportedly serving in the army.

Carso, now a known media figure, has appeared in English-language videos defending Israeli policy. His videos have been circulated in countries such as Canada, Brazil, and even Iran. He has also lectured abroad and been dubbed "Israel’s little ambassador".

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ben Carasso 🎗️ בן קרסו (@bencarasso)

The campaign is reportedly backed by organisations including 'LovingMoms', 'jewsinschool', and 'Israel Spirit', the latter described as a civilian propaganda arm.

In addition to the children’s boat, another vessel carrying Israeli "environmental activists" is reportedly preparing to confront the Madleen. According to organisers quoted by Ynet, their goal is to criticise Thunberg for allegedly abandoning environmental issues.

Each participant paid $70–$100 to join the mission, which is coordinated with Israeli police.

The Israeli navy’s Shayetet 13 unit is reportedly preparing to intercept Madleen, which carries 12 activists and is currently 250 nautical miles from Gaza.

This was the same unit involved in the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, when the commando unit raided a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters, killing nine activists and injuring dozens more.