You don't have to be friends with anyone

Casadena

Dear Prudence, 

In the recent political climate, it has gotten very tricky navigating space with long-standing friends that I have recently found out are in a very different camp, particularly where the war in Gaza is concerned. While I am Jewish culturally, I am very upset about the plight of the Palestinians and do not align with any of Benjamin Netanyahu’s politics. But I am also very concerned about the unbridled antisemitism. Friends of mine who align with Netanyahu have called me an antisemitic jew for not agreeing with Israel’s response to October 7. I am deeply offended by my good friends’ accusations. I have tried to avoid discussing this and other political issues when I am with them, but it is increasingly challenging to dismiss what they have said about me. I have declined several invitations to get together. Is this friendship salvageable? If so, any suggestions about how to handle this very fraught situation?

—Hurt and Confused

banana468

It's not the same but similar politically for the US.  And I don't have the answer.  I don't know how you can consider feeding people in another country antisemitic.  So....maybe distance yourself from people who think it was OK block food deliveries.  

MyNameIsNot

I wouldn't avoid the topic. If these are otherwise level headed and thoughtful people who are just aligned to Israel by virtue of religion, I would try to have some honest conversations with them about what is actually happening and why they are supporting it. I think you will likely find that they are being fed false information.

If they aren't the level headed thoughtful people and generally jump to conclusions, then I'd forget about the friendship.