In times of success, allies seem abundant, and support flows easily. But when disaster strikes—when lives are disrupted, and the world feels chaotic—the silence from those who claim to care can be deafening. This truth was starkly evident during the recent catastrophic floods in Valencia, Spain, one of the most devastating natural disasters the nation has faced in the last century.

As Spain grappled with overwhelming destruction, multiple voices called out for help, awareness, and action. Among those appealed to was Elon Musk, a figure known for inserting himself into European political discussions with regularity and confidence. From energy policies to refugee issues, Musk has never shied away from weighing in on matters of global and regional importance.

Yet, when Spain faced its darkest hour, he said nothing. Despite several public requests for him to use his platform to draw attention to the crisis or to comment on the mismanagement that exacerbated the devastation, Musk remained silent. Not a single word of acknowledgment came—not about the human suffering, not about the environmental impact, and not about the political missteps that worsened the situation.

This silence is glaring, especially from someone who regularly engages with Europe’s challenges. It raises uncomfortable questions: Why comment on European energy crises but ignore Spain’s cries for help? Why weigh in on divisive political topics but remain silent during a humanitarian disaster?

This isn’t just about Musk; it’s about the broader pattern of performative concern we see so often on the global stage. Figures with influence and power frequently position themselves as champions of progress and humanitarianism, yet when it truly counts—when lives are at stake and a nation is reeling—they’re nowhere to be found.

The tragedy of Valencia’s floods wasn’t just the loss of homes and lives but also the realization that the world’s most prominent voices often choose their causes based on convenience, not urgency. Musk’s silence is a potent reminder of how easy it is to claim solidarity in moments of victory and how rare it is to find genuine allies in moments of crisis.

Yet, amidst this silence, Spain’s true heroes emerged. Local responders, neighbors, and ordinary citizens stepped up, demonstrating that real support doesn’t need a spotlight. It comes from a place of care, not calculation.

Spain’s floods have left devastation in their wake, but they’ve also highlighted an important truth: the loudest voices in times of peace and prosperity may not be the ones you can count on when disaster strikes. Real allies aren’t defined by their words in moments of triumph but by their actions when the world feels like it’s falling apart.

For those who stayed silent despite repeated calls for help, their absence speaks volumes. And for those who rose to the occasion, their quiet strength reminds us where true support can always be found.