Jonathan and David: When elections turn friends into enemies

A Torah-portion column uses the story of David and Jonathan to argue that political disagreement need not destroy personal relationships, as Israelis prepare for the October 27 election. Michael Freund draws a parallel to the current election season, warning that disagreement becomes dangerous when it changes how we see the other person, urging readers to choose loyalty over self-interest.

In a column published ahead of the October 27 Israeli elections, Michael Freund uses the haftarah of Machar Chodesh (I Samuel 20:18-42) to argue that political disagreement need not destroy personal relationships. The piece retells the story of Jonathan, who helps David escape King Saul's murderous intent even though David's rise may cost Jonathan the throne. Freund draws a direct parallel to the current Israeli election season, warning that disagreement becomes dangerous when it changes how we see the other person. He notes that Jonathan chose loyalty over self-interest, refusing to let the struggle for the crown decide whom he called a friend. The column concludes by urging readers to do the same.