Ethicist: Should I Let Go of My Zionist Friends?
I want to believe my friends are good people, but their Zionism challenges my certainty—especially after two years of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Should I distance myself from my Zionist friends as many of them have from me?
Editor’s Note: This is part of the Amateur Ethicist, a moral inquiry platform open to all Harvard community members. Submissions can be sent via the provided link.
Personal Background and Conflict
I am a Jewish, anti-Zionist student. Most of the Zionist friends I grew up with distanced themselves or stopped talking to me after October 7th, when I became more vocal about my political beliefs. I still keep in touch with a few Zionist students but feel increasingly uncertain about how to handle these friendships.
Reflecting on Friendship and Beliefs
My friends are good people, I want to believe, yet their Zionism clouds that trust—especially given the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Why do we care about our friends’ beliefs? Simply put, a friend is someone with whom we share a relationship founded on mutual affection.
"Most simply, a friend is someone with whom we maintain a relationship based on shared affection."
Additional Context from Harvard Community
- At Harvard Talk, Princeton’s President advocated for clear rules on time, manner, and place for protests.
- Harvard Salient’s future causes confrontation, with the Board of Directors seeking legal counsel.
- Cambridge elected challengers to city council, shifting local leadership.
- IOP Director and Newton Mayor were remembered for their uncommon dedication to public service.
- Kevin O’Leary from Shark Tank judged six Harvard startups at an HBS competition.
Author’s summary: Navigating friendships amid deep political divides is complex, especially when beliefs challenge trust and shared values.