I lost a friend today

[pepperaunt]

I have had a good Muslim friend since our children were small (15 years or so). Whenever we’ve gotten together since 7 October she has tried to bring up the issue of Gaza. I have shut her down so as not to damage the friendship. Unfortunately I was unsuccessful today. Her views are incorrect, paranoid and poisonous and I’ve had to call time. I’m so sad though. She’s otherwise a lovely person and has been going through a lot lately (but NOT, as she thinks, being tracked by Mossad).

I’ll miss her. Our DD’s are still close. I guess I just wanted to share my sadness but also my resolve.

It is so sad, I am Christian but have lost friends as I refuse the believe the false things they think about Gaza. I ask how many times they have been to Gaza and they always say "never". I've been a few times

If she thinks Mossad are tracking her, it sounds like she's gone beyond just having a different political opinion (albeit one I find offensive) to full blown delusion.

Its always horrible to lose friends like this, especially when you'd most like to lean on them for support but I try to view it as refocusing my energy on those that have a positive impact on my life.

Hopefully her daughter remains a good friend to your.

Hopefully her daughter remains a good friend to your.

I'm afraid I wouldn't want my daughter to remain friends with someone whose mother is so paranoid she believes Mossad is tracking her. But obv the OP's daughter should make up her own mind.

@pepperaunt I’m really sorry you’ve lost your friend. I understand how painful it is. Sounds like you’ve done everything you could to save the friendship by shutting down the conversations for all of this time. And your friend clearly didn’t respect the boundaries and pushed you until there wasn’t any going back. She really doesn’t sound like a good friend.
But I know that doesn’t change how upsetting it is and how much you’ll miss her.
I also lost a friend. She distanced herself from me after October 7th, no big argument. Obviously made assumptions and didn’t want to speak to me anymore. I know we’re not the only ones in this position. Perhaps we need to start a club!

I had a number of friends distance themselves from me after 7 October. It's really opened my eyes.

I try not to talk politics with any of my friends (outside UK politics sometimes) as I genuinely am too exhausted to find out who might be deeply problematic. Have enough people who are vocal about it!

But actually for your ex-friend - I'd be worried about letting my child go round there as if she's actually delusional that could lead to something really scary - particularly for a Jewish child. It goes far beyond just horrible political views and I'd be worried enough to tell the school to keep everyone safe.

My son is friends with a Palestinian boy at school but they've never played outside of school and his mother has always turned down the birthday party invitations - might be a coincidence, but after a few times I think probably not. it's a shame as he's a nice boy but also could be terribly complicated in the end.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friendship but I'd be super worried about this woman for sure.

I agree 100% @PurpleThistle7

Thank you @PurpleThistle7 our DDs are 22 though I think mine avoids going over to her house (she lives at home) because she feels uncomfortable.

22 or 2 I wouldn't feel safe around someone who is imagining things like this so I'm glad she's avoiding it. I hope she stays safe.