I Am Facinated By Human Behavior

Like a lot of people I was angered/upset by the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh last month. On the Monday evening following the massacre I felt compelled to attend a service to show support. As most of you know I'm an atheist but to me this was/is a human issue.
Of course representatives of the media were present and I tried to avoid cameras the best I could. Apparently I didn't quite succeed because at a recent business lunch one of the guys said "I saw you on the news the other night; you were at the synagogue. You never told us you're Jewish you always said you're an atheist - Why didn't you tell us you're Jewish?"
I don't get into religious or political discussions during these meetings, and I found his question and the wording of it interesting. Instead of directly answering I decided to play with him.

"I didn't think it mattered. Does it matter to you?"
"Well no it doesn't matter. You're a good guy."
"Oh well thank you."
"No you know what I meant."
"No I don't - what do you mean by 'you're a good guy'?"
He turned his head to the side and said "Nothing."

A few seconds of silence passed. I broke it by saying "I am in fact an atheist. I attended the service at the synagogue as a show of support for my fellow human beings during a time of tragedy. I don't particularly care about ones religious or political affiliation or beliefs. I'm more concerned about ones actions, as previewed by how her/his words are spoken."


Have you experienced something like this? Have you been placed in a group or type because of where you were?