When activist Priyamvada Sharma recently said, “If someone has a heart that beats, they cannot remain silent seeing the condition of Palestine”, her words echoed across social media like a cry from a bleeding land. Gaza is under rubble. Hospitals, schools, and homes are bombed. Children and mothers are begging for food and water. And while the world watches, some choose compassion — others choose conflict.
This article explores how one statement of empathy led to a storm of hate, polarization, and hard truths about Indian society’s divided soul.
अगर कोई इंसान है और उसके सीने में दिल धड़कता है तो वह फिलिस्तीन के हालात को देखकर ख़ामोश नहीं बैठ सकता, पूरा मुल्क मल्बे के ढेर में तब्दील किया जा रहा है, अस्पतालों और बच्चों पर बम गिराए जा रहे हैं: प्रियम्वदा शर्मा (एक्टिविस्ट)#Palestine #Gaza #Delhi #India #Israel
— Journo Mirror (@JournoMirror) June 28, 2025
पूरी… pic.twitter.com/ZstKSNABfk
💣 The Ground Reality in Gaza
Thousands have died. Countless homes have been turned to dust. Basic life-saving infrastructure — hospitals, schools, and mosques — have been reduced to rubble. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza isn’t just political. It’s deeply human.
Priyamvada Sharma, like many, voiced her heartbreak. She wasn’t alone. Some Indian citizens echoed her concern:
“It’s painful to see women and children starving… though India has no role, Indians must feel the pain of Palestinians.”
🔥 But Social Media Had Other Plans: A 2-Sided War
The emotional appeal was met with anger, sarcasm, and accusations of hypocrisy. Indian social media erupted with counterarguments:
- “Why don’t you speak about Godhra, Kashmir, or Pulwama?”
Many questioned why the same empathy wasn’t shown for Hindus persecuted in Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Kashmir. - “Don’t be selective. Condemn both Hamas and Israel.”
Users highlighted the 1200 Israeli deaths caused by Hamas, including rape and hostage-taking, saying “peace would exist if Hamas didn’t attack first.” - “You’re not an activist. You’re a selective sympathizer.”
Trolls accused Sharma and others of only speaking up when the victims are Muslims and staying silent when Hindus suffer globally. - “What has Gaza got to do with India?”
Many claimed such statements are just attempts to gain popularity and called activists “leftists” and “attention-seekers.” - “India comes first.”
One viral comment said: “My heart only beats for India. Israel’s response gives my soul peace.”
⚖️ The Bigger Picture: Is Empathy Now Political?
India, a land known for its spiritual depth and philosophical wisdom, is fast becoming a battlefield of selective outrage. The Gaza debate exposed an uncomfortable reality:
- Empathy is now judged by religion.
- Activism is often dismissed as anti-nationalism.
- Speaking for human rights risks being labeled a traitor or leftist.
📌 The Real Questions We Must Ask
- Why does showing concern for Palestinians mean ignoring Hindus?
- When did humanity become a zero-sum game?
- Why are we so eager to invalidate others’ pain instead of expanding our own empathy?
These questions deserve deep reflection, not reaction.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Priyamvada Sharma and what did she say?
She is a human rights activist who expressed deep concern for the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, saying no human with a heart can stay silent.
Q2. Why are people angry at her comment?
Many accused her of being selective and not speaking up about violence against Hindus in other countries or during past events in India.
Q3. What is the current situation in Gaza?
Gaza is experiencing extreme destruction due to continuous bombings. Civilians, including women and children, are most affected, with food, water, and medical supplies cut off.
Q4. Does India have a role in the Gaza conflict?
India maintains a diplomatic stance but has no direct involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Q5. Is it wrong to show empathy for foreign conflicts?
No. Empathy knows no borders. A heart that feels pain does not require political permission.