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Conflict in the Middle East
Original poster

How To Respond?

117 replies

Oodiks · 09/01/2025 22:09

So, I met a really nice woman last week who helped me move house. She was terrific, drove a red pick-up truck and was brilliant helping me lug a load of stuff from my old house to my new house. We got along really well and shared lots of stories about ourselves while we worked. I suggested we meet for a coffee/tea as she works near me.

What's this got to do with the conflict in the ME I hear you ask...

She emailed me to suggest that we could meet for tea/coffee, or I could come to her house for a friendly social gathering of her 'Justice for Palestine' group and I don't know how to reply. It wasn't a topic we had discussed, but I am strongly pro-Israel (not Netanyahu in case you were wondering) and would find a 'Justice for Palestine' group quite challenging.

WWYD?

OP posts:
Scirocco · 13/01/2025 19:21

Oodiks · 13/01/2025 18:50

For some people, of course it's not a trend, but for others it is, it's the latest cause to support to show the world what an outstandingly moral person you are.

As to the woman I met, I have no idea of whether she's a longstanding supporter of this cause, or has only recently taken it up, but as far as I can figure out the group was formed in May 2024, make of that what you will.

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I wouldn't make anything from that in itself in relation to how genuine or otherwise someone might be (everyone's a new start or a beginner at some point), but if it's not for you then you don't have to go. The likelihood is that it's either not going to be a big deal that you decline, or it'll simply be that the two of you aren't compatible as good friends. I've declined many invitations to events and groups and it's never been the end of any relationship that's actually mattered.

SharonEllis · 13/01/2025 18:54

Oodiks · 13/01/2025 18:50

For some people, of course it's not a trend, but for others it is, it's the latest cause to support to show the world what an outstandingly moral person you are.

As to the woman I met, I have no idea of whether she's a longstanding supporter of this cause, or has only recently taken it up, but as far as I can figure out the group was formed in May 2024, make of that what you will.

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Yes, just because some people gave a genuine connection & conviction doesn't mean it isn't very much a trend and identity for others. In fact some of the former get pretty fed up with the latter and they're right to.

Original poster
Oodiks · 13/01/2025 18:50

Scirocco · 10/01/2025 12:57

I think people forget that for some of us, what is happening isn't a 'trend', or a bandwagon or just something in the news. The people injured, scarred, tortured, killed, left starving, displaced and disappeared are our loved ones and their neighbours. We don't get to 'move on' to a new bandwagon and leave this behind without a second thought, because this is being done to us and our loved ones. We will live with this trauma and grief for the rest of our lives.

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For some people, of course it's not a trend, but for others it is, it's the latest cause to support to show the world what an outstandingly moral person you are.

As to the woman I met, I have no idea of whether she's a longstanding supporter of this cause, or has only recently taken it up, but as far as I can figure out the group was formed in May 2024, make of that what you will.

OP posts:
Auvergne63 · 10/01/2025 16:14

username299 · 10/01/2025 15:28

After a year, only the hardcore are making excuses.

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I think you might be right.

Auvergne63 · 10/01/2025 16:09

stbeaker · 10/01/2025 10:51

100%.

I choose to follow people who are pro women, pro children, etc. I follow thoroughly decent people and accounts.

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Then you condemn violence towards women and children in Gaza and the West Bank as well as in Israel? I do.

username299 · 10/01/2025 15:28

Arayofcalm · 10/01/2025 15:22

They just openly saying it now. No shame at all.

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After a year, only the hardcore are making excuses.

Arayofcalm · 10/01/2025 15:22

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They just openly saying it now. No shame at all.

stbeaker · 10/01/2025 15:20

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Thank you for reminding me - Palestine also behaved badly before October 7th as well.

username299 · 10/01/2025 15:20

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stbeaker · 10/01/2025 15:19

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October 7th

username299 · 10/01/2025 15:18

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stbeaker · 10/01/2025 15:15

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username299 · 10/01/2025 15:11

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Dulra · 10/01/2025 15:08

LinnettdeBelleforte · 10/01/2025 14:43

As do I, and I refuse to be shamed for it.

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That's not what people were doing. The judgements and assumptions were made about people that support Palestine

LinnettdeBelleforte · 10/01/2025 14:43

stbeaker · 10/01/2025 14:34

I stand with Israel

As do I, and I refuse to be shamed for it.

stbeaker · 10/01/2025 14:34

I stand with Israel

Arayofcalm · 10/01/2025 13:47

Agreed. I think it's incredibly callous to be so dismissive of those who just want an end to the war and bloodshed.

EasterIssland · 10/01/2025 13:26

Scirocco · 10/01/2025 12:57

I think people forget that for some of us, what is happening isn't a 'trend', or a bandwagon or just something in the news. The people injured, scarred, tortured, killed, left starving, displaced and disappeared are our loved ones and their neighbours. We don't get to 'move on' to a new bandwagon and leave this behind without a second thought, because this is being done to us and our loved ones. We will live with this trauma and grief for the rest of our lives.

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Agree with you. For some others we don’t have loved ones in Palestine but we’ve supported and idea of a free Palestine where there are no restrictions and they can have a proper government, the idea of a 2 state solution that many speak about … it’s not something trendy. I can’t see how people supporting/ requesting a 2 state solution can’t see that this means a free Palestine and a free Israel. This is not trend. It’s the lives of millions of peoples.

Dulra · 10/01/2025 13:17

Scirocco · 10/01/2025 12:57

I think people forget that for some of us, what is happening isn't a 'trend', or a bandwagon or just something in the news. The people injured, scarred, tortured, killed, left starving, displaced and disappeared are our loved ones and their neighbours. We don't get to 'move on' to a new bandwagon and leave this behind without a second thought, because this is being done to us and our loved ones. We will live with this trauma and grief for the rest of our lives.

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Agree it is such a dismissive crude statement

Scirocco · 10/01/2025 12:57

Dulra · 10/01/2025 12:50

although she'll maybe move onto the next "thing" soon

🙄

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I think people forget that for some of us, what is happening isn't a 'trend', or a bandwagon or just something in the news. The people injured, scarred, tortured, killed, left starving, displaced and disappeared are our loved ones and their neighbours. We don't get to 'move on' to a new bandwagon and leave this behind without a second thought, because this is being done to us and our loved ones. We will live with this trauma and grief for the rest of our lives.

Dulra · 10/01/2025 12:50

wholettheturnipsburn · 10/01/2025 12:40

What a shame to find this out when you felt you had a connection and the start of a friendship

I would just say that it's not something you'd be interested in. Then I'd cut my losses

I can't think of anything worse to be honest, although she'll maybe move onto the next "thing" soon. I suppose it depends how much you valued the potential connections

although she'll maybe move onto the next "thing" soon

🙄

Daftasabroom · 10/01/2025 12:44

LinnettdeBelleforte · 10/01/2025 10:00

Theoretically, yes. However, most people who say that they want justice for Palestinians actually see the way to achieve that being the obliteration of Israel.

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Rubbish.

That's no more true than saying most Zionists want the obliteration of Gaza and the remaining Palestinians in the West Bank.

Comedycook · 10/01/2025 12:40

Scirocco · 10/01/2025 12:37

If you don't want to go, just say no thank you. If the existence of the group and her involvement means you don't want to be friends with her, you don't have to be, but if you'd be happy to have a friendship with her then you can just say that's not for you and spend time together in different contexts.

Well yes and equally we don't know whether this lady would be happy to be friends or friendly with the op once she knows the ops opinion.... sometimes people are happy to agree to disagree and just not discuss...for others, it's a deal breaker...who knows

wholettheturnipsburn · 10/01/2025 12:40

What a shame to find this out when you felt you had a connection and the start of a friendship

I would just say that it's not something you'd be interested in. Then I'd cut my losses

I can't think of anything worse to be honest, although she'll maybe move onto the next "thing" soon. I suppose it depends how much you valued the potential connections

Scirocco · 10/01/2025 12:37

If you don't want to go, just say no thank you. If the existence of the group and her involvement means you don't want to be friends with her, you don't have to be, but if you'd be happy to have a friendship with her then you can just say that's not for you and spend time together in different contexts.