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 remain friends with a few Zionist students, but I am increasingly uncertain about how to handle these relationships.
My friends are good people, I want to believe, but their Zionism clouds my certainty — especially after two years of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“Most simply, a friend is someone with whom we maintain a relationship based on shared affection.”
Context and Reflection
- Many Zionist friends have already distanced themselves from me.
- I question whether I should reciprocate by letting go of my Zionist friends.
Additional Community Notes
- At Harvard Talk, Princeton’s President emphasized that colleges should set clear rules for protests.
- Harvard Salient’s future is currently the subject of a tug-of-war with legal involvement.
- Cambridge recently elected two challengers alongside seven incumbents to the City Council.
- Notable mentions include recalls of Setti Warrens and Kevin O’Leary’s role as a judge at Harvard startup competitions.
Editor’s Note: This piece is part of the Amateur Ethicist series, inviting moral inquiries from Harvard community members.
Summary: The author struggles with maintaining friendships amid deep political divides, questioning how beliefs influence personal connections after enduring conflict and distancing.