Ethicist, Should I Let Go of My Zionist Friends?
I am a Jewish and anti-Zionist student. Most of the Zionist friends I grew up with either distanced themselves or stopped talking to me entirely after October 7th, when I became more vocal about my political commitments. I still have a few Zionist friends but feel increasingly uncertain about how to navigate these relationships.
My friends are good people, I want to believe, but their Zionism clouds my certainty of that—especially after two years of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Reflections on Friendship and Beliefs
Why do we care about our friends’ beliefs? Simply put, a friend is someone with whom we maintain a relationship based on shared 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.”
Context From Harvard Community
- At Harvard Talk, Princeton President advocates for clear time, manner, and place rules for protests.
- In struggle over Harvard Salient's future, Board of Directors hires legal counsel.
- Cambridge elects two challengers alongside seven incumbents to City Council.
- IOP Director and Newton Mayor remembered for a rare drive to serve.
- Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary judges six Harvard startups at HBS competition.
Note from Amateur Ethicist
This reflection is part of the Amateur Ethicist series, inviting Harvard community members to share moral inquiries.
“Please send your submissions to this link.”
Author's summary: Navigating friendships strained by conflicting political beliefs raises complex ethical questions about loyalty and personal values amid ongoing conflict.
Would you like the tone to be more formal or conversational?