Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Greta Thunberg’s Close Bond with Photographer Chris Kebbon Amidst Gaza Activism
Climate activist and recent participant in Gaza protests, Greta Thunberg, has developed a strong friendship with Chris Kebbon, a young photographer who has frequently accompanied her at demonstrations. This bond has drawn attention as Thunberg navigates her activism on various fronts.
Kebbon’s Support Following Thunberg’s Detention
Chris Kebbon, a 22-year-old with long hair, was seen greeting Greta Thunberg with a warm embrace at Stockholm Airport on Tuesday. Thunberg had just arrived, appearing disheveled, after being arrested and subsequently deported by Israeli authorities.
- Kebbon is a photographer and videographer who has been a constant presence alongside Thunberg for approximately the last 18 months.
- He was photographed with Thunberg swimming in the sea near Catania, Sicily, prior to her voyage on the controversial ‘Freedom Flotilla’ mission to Gaza.
Profile of Chris Kebbon
Kebbon, like Thunberg, resides in an affluent, leafy suburb of Stockholm. He is a proficient surfer and, according to his online profile, has experience living in Syria, Lebanon, and Morocco with his family.
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Iconic Image of Thunberg
Kebbon’s photograph, reminiscent of a scene from the movie *Titanic*, showing Thunberg draped in a Palestinian flag on the bow of the ship *Barcarole* (renamed *Madleen* for the voyage), became emblematic of her unsuccessful journey. The vessel was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in international waters.
Thunberg’s Arrest and Deportation
Thunberg, alongside 11 others, was apprehended. Despite claims of being ‘kidnapped’, which were met with skepticism, she was detained by Israeli authorities. She was then placed on an El Al flight to Paris, even though she opposes flying due to environmental concerns.
- Thunberg was observed looking worn out on the El Al flight from Ben Gurion to Paris, obscuring her face with the hood of her jacket.
Pilot’s Acknowledgment of Israeli Forces
In a separate video shared on social media, the pilot expressed gratitude to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), saying, “We want to thank our security forces and the IDF for protecting our homeland and wish for the swift return of all hostages,” His statement was met with applause from fellow passengers.
Kebbon’s Actions Upon Thunberg’s Return
Upon Thunberg’s arrival back in Stockholm, Kebbon, wearing a green Palestinian Keffiyeh, greeted her with a lengthy hug as she emerged in the arrivals area of Arlanda Airport.
- Following their brief exchange, he escorted her towards the assembled media, acting as impromptu security to manage the enthusiastic crowd.
Legal History and Activist Stance
Kebbon and Thunberg were co-defendants in a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in February 2024. They were acquitted of public order offenses related to a protest held outside a London hotel hosting the Energy Intelligence Forum, a gathering of oil and gas industry executives.
He characterizes himself as a photographer documenting social and climate justice movements. He remained with Thunberg in Sicily until she departed, capturing numerous photographs, notably those of her on the *Barcarole’s* bow. He described these as “last calm moments together before departure filled with love, care and silly moments.”
Family’s Reaction to Activism
Following their initial arrest in London, Chris Kebbon informed Swedish newspaper *Vi* that his parents in Liljeholmen, a Stockholm suburb, experienced sleepless nights due to the lack of communication from him.
He speculated that his parents, having seen news reports of Thunberg’s arrest, should have inferred that he had also been apprehended. Before their departure, Kebbon recounted that his father had instructed him to do as he pleased, “as long as you don’t get arrested.”
Kebbon’s Background and Commitment
Chris Kebbon attended the Lycée Français St-Louis in Stockholm, where he concentrated on film and photography. Greta Thunberg’s solo protests and Friday school strikes evolved into the Fridays For Future movement, which has spread globally.
Kebbon is a longtime participant in the group and regularly engages in demonstrations at Mynttorget, a nearby public square. Following the arrest of Thunberg and others by Israeli forces, he organized a spontaneous demonstration at the same location with fellow supporters.
Kebbon’s Advocacy and Rhetoric
Kebbon’s Instagram posts reflect a deep commitment to activism, mirroring Thunberg’s dedication, and his rhetoric seems to endorse actions extending beyond peaceful demonstrations.
In reference to the Mayfair protest, he wrote: “A few months ago, we were hundreds of people who gathered in London to protest, disturb and block fossil fuel conferences…Normal demonstrations are not enough to get the people in power to act anymore. If we don’t physically fight against these corporations they will exploit everything they can, and squeeze the last drop of profit from the people and the planet…Many of us were then arrested because we were stopping these oily assholes from entering their greenwashing conferences.”