By Naazi Morad
I call this a tragedy, a tragedy against humanity. This is not about religion, race, or gender. This is about human lives, morality, and empathy under siege.
Recently, the Global Sumud Flotilla, a coalition of humanitarian activists from over 40 countries, was intercepted while delivering life-saving food aid to Gaza. These brave individuals risked their freedom, safety, and comfort to help those suffering from starvation, displacement, and trauma. Yet, instead of gratitude, they were arrested, mistreated, and detained in Israeli prisons, facing harsh conditions simply for doing what is right.
From a psychological standpoint, this tragedy exposes the dangers of dehumanization and moral disengagement. Social media has amplified voices celebrating violence, justifying harm to innocent children, families, and civilians. Hatred, fear, and prejudice distort empathy and normalize cruelty. It is vital to recognize that these reactions are not inevitable, they are learned responses that can be challenged through awareness, advocacy, and education.
To those who express hate online: imagine if it were your mother, father, child, or spouse being tortured, starved, or killed. What crime did these innocent people commit to deserve such hostility? The psychology of empathy reminds us that the capacity to feel for others is universal, our shared humanity cannot be selectively applied.
The people of Gaza have already lost everything: homes, jobs, family members, and safety. Even the animals there are victims, suffering silently as resources and protection vanish. And yet, when the world unites across countries and religions to deliver aid, those offering hope are imprisoned for their moral courage.
Acts of humanitarian solidarity do not require applause, recognition, or limelight. Standing up for justice, human rights, and compassion is a moral duty, not a performance. Every act of kindness, every voice raised against oppression, strengthens the collective push toward empathy, accountability, and healing.
Call to Action: If you feel helpless, know that you are not powerless. You can:
- Support humanitarian aid organizations delivering food, medicine, and shelter to Gaza.
- Share accurate updates and raise awareness about the activists detained in Israel.
- Educate others about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the psychological impact of war.
- Advocate for policy changes and international accountability to protect innocent lives.
While the world sleeps, shops, and lives comfortably under the same sky, countless human beings are suffering, unseen and unheard. Compassion is active, not passive. Justice demands action. Together, we can restore hope and defend humanity.
Dua for Gaza, the Oppressed, and All Suffering Creatures
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
O Allah, the Most Merciful, the Protector of the oppressed,
We raise our hands to You in humility and need.
O Allah, protect the people of Gaza and all those unjustly imprisoned.
Grant them safety, relief, and strength to endure their trials.
Ease the suffering of the sick, the hungry, the weak, and the fearful.
Comfort the orphans and those who have lost their homes, families, and livelihoods.
O Allah, extend Your mercy to all creatures suffering alongside humans—cats, dogs, birds, and all forms of life. Protect them, provide them sustenance, and relieve them from pain and fear.
O Allah, send Your unseen forces, Your angels, to stand with the oppressed, to shield them from harm, and to bring justice where there is injustice.
Illuminate their hearts with hope, fortify their spirits, and grant them patience in their suffering.
O Allah, guide the hearts of oppressors, soften their souls, and prevent further harm.
Let the world awaken to compassion, empathy, and justice.
Indeed, You are the Most Powerful, the All-Knowing, the Most Merciful.
Ameen.
