Ethicist: Should I Let Go of My Zionist Friends?
I am a Jewish and anti-Zionist student. Many of the Zionist friends I grew up with either distanced themselves or stopped talking to me after October 7th, when I became more vocal about my political views. I remain friends with some Zionist students but am increasingly uncertain about how to approach these relationships.
My friends are good people, I want to believe, but their Zionism taints my certainty of that — especially after two years of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Why do we care about our friends’ beliefs? Simply put, a friend is someone with whom we maintain a relationship based on mutual affection.
Context and Reflection
After two years of conflict and suffering in Gaza, the author's trust in their friends has been challenged by political differences. The internal struggle involves balancing personal affection against profound moral disagreements.
Should I let go of my Zionist friends in the same way that many of them have already let go of me?
Related Topics from Harvard Crimson
- At Harvard Talk, Princeton President says colleges should set clear rules for protests.
- In tug-of-war over Harvard Salient’s future, the Board of Directors hires legal counsel.
- Cambridge elects challengers with incumbents to City Council.
- IOP Director and Newton Mayor remembered for their dedicated service.
- Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary judges six Harvard startups at HBS competition.
Editor’s Note: This is part of Amateur Ethicist, a platform for moral inquiry open to all Harvard community members.
Please send submissions to the provided link.
Would you like the tone to be more formal or conversational?