In the wake of the recent escalation in Israel and Gaza, a friend posted this reasonable query to me: "What
do I do with friends from Israel who are making 5-10 [Facebook] posts everyday to 'educate' us on how all the bombing is all really OK and justified?" I get it. It's maddening to see your friends become defensive about Israel when you otherwise believe them to be partners for peace. Here is the response I gave her, slightly paraphrased:
Maybe gently remind them there are Palestinian civilians in pain too, and then move on. Block them temporarily if it bothers you a lot. Don't let them polarize you by simplifying a complex problem.
Both sides have terrible, childish leadership right now, and the people on both sides are reflecting that. But there's a lot of frustration and pain on both sides as well, and your friends from Israel are probably frustrated and afraid. For instance, we have a good friend who's been sleeping in a bunker for the past two nights, and it isn't her fault the Israeli and Palestinian leaders are lobbing rockets at each other. Many of your other Israeli and Jewish friends are seeing things from the not-always balanced point of view that results from having friends and family in harm's way.
