Ethicist: Should I Let Go of My Zionist Friends?
I am a Jewish and anti-Zionist student. Most of my Zionist friends distanced themselves or stopped talking to me after October 7th, when I became more vocal about my political views. I still keep in touch with a few Zionist students, but I am increasingly uncertain how to manage these relationships.
I want to believe my friends are good people, yet their Zionism challenges this certainty—especially after two years of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which many have described as genocide.
Reflecting on Friendship and Beliefs
Why do our friends' beliefs matter to us? Simply put, a friend is someone with whom we share a relationship based on mutual affection.
"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."
"A friend is someone with whom we maintain a relationship based on shared affection."
Context and Related Discussions
- At Harvard Talk, Princeton's president suggested colleges should set clear time, manner, and place rules for protests.
- In a tug-of-war over Harvard Salient’s future, the Board of Directors has hired legal counsel.
- Cambridge recently elected two challengers alongside seven incumbents to its City Council.
- IOP Director and Newton Mayor were remembered for their rare drive to serve.
- Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary acted as a judge for six Harvard startups at the HBS competition.
"This is an installment of the Amateur Ethicist, a site of moral inquiry open to all Harvard Community members."
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Author’s Summary: The author struggles with maintaining friendships affected by political differences, questioning how beliefs impact personal connections amid ongoing conflict and division.