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