Did a diversity hire do that writeup for Merriam Webster? Their own supporting examples don't make sense:

In order to succeed, humanitarian efforts require a "Goldilocks" solution—just the right mix of force and charity, sympathy and structure, blind will and determined follow-up.

Surely the humanitarians aren't expected to "share" the feelings of the strangers they're helping?

Sympathy and the desire to understand other people, the better to help them, are originally, I am forced to believe, virtues.

If "sympathy" is already feeling what other people feel, why is "understanding" them separate?

Sympathy is, put bluntly, feeling sorry for people.