Greta Thunberg's sailboat symbolism only hurts the cause she seeks to propound

In an era where global crises demand sincerity and strategic coordination, the optics of activism often seem to overshadow its substance. A recent example is the high-profile sailing expedition undertaken by Greta Thunberg and other activists, purporting to deliver aid to Gaza. While the effort has been amplified through carefully curated media coverage, it raises fundamental questions about the effectiveness, intent, and selective moral compass of such initiatives.

To begin with, the symbolism of a small sailboat navigating international waters in the name of humanitarian aid must be questioned in terms of logistical reality. Can such a vessel realistically deliver meaningful assistance to Gazans amid a catastrophic humanitarian crisis? Given the scale of need in Gaza, where basic infrastructure is decimated and aid must be coordinated at scale through secure land or maritime corridors, a recreational sailboat can carry little more than symbolism. If the primary concern was actual relief, one must ask: why not charter a larger vessel, coordinate with recognised humanitarian organisations, and ensure aid delivery through proper diplomatic channels?

Moreover, activism that fails to consistently uphold universal human rights undermines its credibility. While we hear vociferous condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza, there is often a deafening silence from these same circles about the unspeakable atrocities of October 7, where civilians were massacred at the Nova music festival, women were raped, children were kidnapped, and hostages, over 120 of whom remain in Gaza, continue to suffer without global outcry from these “human rights” champions. Is selective outrage not the most dangerous form of moral relativism?

Then there is the matter of misinformation. Claims circulated by some activists that Israeli drones were “harassing” their vessel in Greek waters were promptly debunked. They quickly turned around and said, "The involvement of Greek surveillance drones raises serious concerns that Greece may be cooperating with Israel in a way that facilitates or enables illegal acts, potentially implicating Greece in violations of international law!"

This pattern of misleading narratives, often spread through well-edited content on social media, contributes not to justice but to polarisation and distortion.

And finally, a broader societal concern: when did the world decide it was admirable for a child to abandon formal education in favour of activism? While civic engagement among young people is important, one cannot ignore that complex international issues, such as those in the Middle East, require depth, scholarship, and understanding. Glorifying half-formed activism in place of informed, accountable leadership risks trivialising the very causes these activists claim to champion. As we witness the consequences of misinformation and virtue signalling, perhaps the absence of foundational education is not incidental but central to this problem.

Israel, as a sovereign democracy that remains the only liberal state in a region plagued by extremism, has every right to question the motives of individuals who ignore the crimes of Hamas while posturing as peace advocates. Perhaps, if these activists are so concerned for Gazans' welfare, they should live among them and see firsthand the terror imposed by Hamas on its own people. Then, perhaps, they might also raise their voices for Palestinian freedom from Hamas, and, who knows, they might even use their platforms to demand the release of Israeli hostages.

Until then, such efforts remain less about human rights and more about narrative warfare, conducted by individuals more interested in attention than in resolution.

(Madhura Naik is an actor, entrepreneur, and activist.)