Addressing and rectifying several misconceptions and misunderstandings is essential before delving into the resolution of the century-long dispute between Jews and Arabs. These corrections are critical as they are fundamentally rooted in the origins of this conflict and are instrumental in the pursuit of peace.

The tragic narrative of the Israel-Palestine conflict traces back to the British endorsement of the Jewish homeland aspiration in 1917, known as the ‘Balfour Declaration.’ This declaration emerged from the efforts of supporters of the late 19th-century Jewish nationalist movement, Zionism. Founded by Theodor Herzl in the 1890s, Zionism was predicated on the belief that all Jews constituted a single nation, and the establishment of a nation-state for them in their ancestral homeland of Israel (Palestine) was the only solution to the anti-Semitism experienced by Jews in Europe.

The history is clear regarding the widespread prejudice and discrimination against Jews in Europe. Anti-Semitism, often associated with the Nazi regime in 20th-century Germany, has deeper historical roots dating back thousands of years. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Palestine/Israel was subject to repeated changes of control between empires from both continents. In the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire, gaining control over lands, including Palestine, that were under Persian rule. Subsequently, the region witnessed the dominion of Roman and Byzantine empires until the 5th century AD.

The early prejudice and animosity towards Jews by the Greeks and Romans stemmed from the Jewish people’s resistance. With their homeland under Greek and Roman occupation and their religious practices curtailed, the Jewish population revolted against these empires, only to be brutally suppressed on multiple occasions. A similar pattern emerged even earlier when the Assyrians and Babylonians invaded and ruled Jerusalem.

The subsequent expressions of anti-Semitism in Europe were marked by greater severity and systematization. Following the rise of Christianity and its adoption within the European Byzantine Empire, increased pressure was exerted on Jews. Many Christians held Jews responsible for the death of Jesus Christ, a belief that was actively promoted during the Middle Ages by the church and Christian authorities. This led to widespread hatred and mistreatment of Jewish communities, many of whom had migrated to or were brought to Europe during Roman times.

Conversely, Jews living in the Middle East, including Palestine, under Muslim rule since the 7th century AD experienced a comparatively more peaceful existence. Although non-Muslim communities were considered second-class citizens and faced periodic persecution, Jews and Christians were recognized as ‘people of the book’ and enjoyed certain rights and protections.

A brief examination of Middle Eastern history clearly reveals that anti-Semitism is primarily a phenomenon rooted in European Christianity, with minimal impact on the relationship between Jews and Muslims. Thus, the current conflict does not arise from a religious conflict between Judaism and Islam. Followers of these two religions, as well as Middle Eastern Christians, have a centuries-long history of peaceful coexistence.

What is commonly referred to as the ‘Jewish problem’ was, in fact, a European issue, and Zionism, as a nationalist ideology, emerged as a solution to a problem created by Europeans. However, in seeking to address the European problem, it disrupted the peace and coexistence of Jews and Arabs in the Middle East.

This underscores that the root cause of the Israel-Palestine conflict does not stem from religious hostility or ethnic hatred, as the histories of Judaism and Islam, as well as Jews and Arabs in the Middle East, do not provide substantial evidence for such claims. Instead, the fundamental cause of this conflict lies in the forceful alteration of the demographic landscape of a region for political motives by colonial powers.

Today, the responsibility for rectifying this historical injustice rests with the people of Palestine and Israel. This process could potentially commence with mutual acknowledgments: Palestinians acknowledging the historical roots and attachment of Jews in the land, dating back to the establishment of the early kingdom of Israel around 2000 BC, and Israelis acknowledging the problematic nature of the Zionist movement and the subsequent occupation of Palestine.

Zionism aspired to recreate the glorious past of a nation on their ancestral land, overlooking the millennia and numerous generations that had transpired since those ancient times.

Such acts of mutual acknowledgment can foster trust on both sides and kindle the flames of hope for a lasting peace.