The recent Independent headline reporting on the More In Common research results highlights that “four in ten Britons would consider ending friendships over Israel-Palestine views”. This is heartbreaking, but sadly not surprising. It highlights an urgent reality: our social fabric is fraying. People are frightened of talking to each other. Misunderstandings are deepening and many young people are absorbing this polarisation without the tools needed to navigate it.
At SNS, we work every day with young people across the UK to build the skills and confidence required to counter this growing division and to rebuild community cohesion.
Friendships breaking down: what’s really behind it?
The research shows three recurring issues driving this fracture:
- Misassumptions about motives and beliefs
Many people assume the worst about why those on the “other side” hold their views. They attribute malice, racism, ignorance, or extremism — when in reality, positions often stem from trauma, identity, family history, personal values, or fears about justice and safety. This is contributing to increased polarisation.
- Misperceptions of how widely their view is shared
Each side often believes most of the country agrees with them — and that the opposing side is a loud minority. When young people learn that opinion is far more mixed and nuanced, it lowers the temperature and opens the door to dialogue.
- Misalignment around terminology
Words like occupation, terrorism, intifada, or even peace are used differently by different communities. Without unpacking terminology, conversations derail before they even begin.
These three dynamics - misassumption, misperception, misalignment - create a perfect storm for broken relationships.
How SNS helps young people navigate these divides
- Dialogue skills
We train young people in nonviolent communication, active listening, emotional literacy and conflict resolution. Learning these skills allows them to slow down, stay curious, and understand where views come from — rather than jumping to assumptions.
- Critical thinking and reflective practice
Students explore how their views are shaped, how information spreads online, and how cognitive biases fuel polarisation. This builds resilience against misperceptions of public opinion and encourages a more grounded understanding of the overall picture.
- Structured dialogue, not debate
SNS emphasises win-win outcomes — central to our peace model. Our Israeli and Palestinian speakers model how to practise dialogue, where the aim isn’t to defeat someone’s argument but to understand their human experience. When terminology creates confusion, our facilitators help unpack and define it so the conversation doesn’t spiral into conflict.
- Active citizenship
We empower young people to take these skills into their schools, communities, and online spaces. When they feel capable of convening conversations and challenging misinformation, the whole community benefits.
Why this matters now
The Independent’s findings show that people are becoming less able to talk, at precisely the moment we need connection most. The risk to cohesion and social unity is real.
Unless we address misassumptions about each other, misperceptions about public opinion, and misaligned understanding of key terms, the divide will widen — and more friendships will be lost.
A hopeful path forward
Every day, we witness young people discovering that disagreement does not have to mean disconnection. Through structured dialogue, critical thinking, and peace-based skills, they learn to stay human with one another.
And when young people can do that, society can too.
SNS remains committed to helping this next generation build a healthier, more unified community — one conversation at a time.