UPDATE: Harvard University’s student ethicist has sparked controversy by advising students to sever ties with friends who identify as “Zionist.” In a recent column published on October 14, 2023, Harvard junior Andrés Muedano provided this green light in response to a query from a Jewish and anti-Zionist student grappling with their friendships.
The student expressed uncertainty about maintaining relationships with peers who support the Jewish right to self-determination, particularly citing the ongoing violence in Gaza. “Should I let go of my Zionist friends in the same way that many of them have already let go of me?” the student questioned, reflecting on the personal toll of these divisions.
Muedano’s column, titled “Amateur Ethicist,” does not shy away from addressing the complexities of Zionism. He states that the movement encompasses a “wide range of beliefs,” from advocating for a two-state solution to unyielding support for Israel, even in the face of accusations of genocide in Gaza. Notably, Muedano referenced a New York Times article that discussed fringe groups alleging genocide, which has faced significant backlash for misrepresenting the legal definition of the term.
The crux of Muedano’s response is decisive: “The matter is simple. The answer is yes,” he asserts, confirming that the student is justified in choosing to end friendships with those who hold Zionist views. He delves deeper, referencing Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics to argue that it may be an obligation to unfriend morally condemnable individuals. However, he diverges from Aristotle by suggesting that strong moral beliefs can withstand disagreements even among close friends.
The implications of Muedano’s advice are significant and immediate, especially within the context of current debates on campus about Israel and Palestine. His conclusion emphasizes the right to dissolve friendships while also advocating for the belief in the inherent decency of others—even when their views clash with one’s own.
Reactions to the column have been swift and critical. Rabbi David Wolpe, a prominent Jewish leader, commented on social media, expressing little surprise at the article’s controversial stance and critiquing its reasoning as “dispiriting.” Meanwhile, Harvard Chabad, a Jewish religious organization, raised a provocative point about the column’s implications, questioning whether similar advice would be offered regarding friendships with Muslims or LGBTQ+ individuals.
As the discourse around Muedano’s column continues to unfold, the broader implications for campus culture and interpersonal relationships in polarized environments are becoming increasingly apparent. Students are urged to consider the ethical dimensions of their friendships amidst a backdrop of conflict and differing ideologies.
WHAT’S NEXT: Watch for further discussions on social media and among student organizations as the fallout from this column develops. With tensions high surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, how students navigate their relationships could significantly impact campus dynamics.
