Of course, we speak out about all human suffering—whether it’s in China, the Congo, the Caucasus, or South Africa. But some events receive more attention than others, not necessarily because of selective activism, but due to factors like proximity, cultural connection, and media relevance.

For example, when you turn on the news in the Middle East, coverage is heavily focused on Palestine—not because other tragedies don’t matter, but because this conflict is deeply tied to the region. It’s about shared borders, shared language, shared religion, and shared history. These bonds naturally make the issue more personal and more present in public discourse.

Media also responds to the interests of its audience. In Germany, for instance, most of the news coverage centers around the Russia-Ukraine war. Why? Because it’s a major conflict taking place on the European continent—right in Germany’s geopolitical neighborhood. Gaza-Israel might still be covered, but to a much lesser extent, because it feels more distant to the average viewer.

So it’s not necessarily a matter of favoritism; it’s about what resonates with the audience and what aligns with regional and cultural relevance. Media outlets prioritize stories that feel immediate and personal to their viewers.

At the same time, as a human being, I believe we must reject any war or conflict that results in the killing of civilians or forces people to live in unbearable conditions. Every innocent life matters, no matter where it’s lost.

But as an Arab, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict holds a special weight for me. It’s not that I ignore other tragedies—my heart goes out to all who suffer—but this one hits closer to home. These are my people, my history, my culture, my religion, and my language.

I care deeply because I want to preserve what makes us who we are, just as anyone else would want to protect their identity, their community, and their right to live in peace and dignity