How To Respond?

[Oodiks]

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?

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

I stand with Israel

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

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

October 7th

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

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

After a year, only the hardcore are making excuses.

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

I think you might be right.

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.

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.

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.

Indeed.

Just tell her you no that you are pro israel which meAns you don't want justice for palestine ! Problem solved she would not want to speak to you again anw 😅

Who says I don't want justice for Palestine? I'd love to see Hamas wiped out entirely a new administration in place that would actually support their people instead of focusing on destroying Israel.

I think it happens because we are all reasonable people and don't necessarily bring up our political affiliations in casual conversation. In my instance we got along while working on a project together and neither of us brought up politics directly. As the majority of people in my area are 'pro-Palestinian' it's rational of her to assume that I will be too. That majority is also part of my discomfit in turning down her invitation too directly.

I'd be interested if the opposite happens, if any 'pro-Palestinians' have ever felt awkward about being invited to a Bring Them Home vigil, for instance.

You'd think wiping out Hamas was a prerequisite for justice for Palestine.

To be honest you should tell her. I am very proud of my beliefs and I would have enough faith in them to stand over them even in the face of disagreement.

Is a Bring Them Home event to support the hostages?, then I would attend if a friend asked.

You can be pro Palestine and anti Hamas obviously.

What makes you think the Justice for Palestinians group would not want the same?