Can We Just Get Along? The Elusive Peace Between Palestine and Israel

It’s a question that has haunted me my entire life of 50 years: Why can’t we all just get along? When we turn our gaze to the seemingly intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we’re faced with a complex web of historical, political, and deeply personal factors that continue to prevent the two sides from coexisting in peace.

This isn’t just an international dilemma; it’s an intimate, personal heartache. It’s a crisis that stretches far beyond borders and politics, affecting the lives and dreams of countless individuals. As we delve into the question of why peace remains so elusive, we must consider the following aspects:

1. Historical Baggage:
The roots of this conflict go back decades, if not centuries. The modern Israeli-Palestinian conflict has its origins in the late 19th century, with the Zionist movement and the subsequent establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Decades of tension and violence have left deep scars, and historical grievances on both sides often act as stumbling blocks.

2. National Aspirations:
Palestinians have a legitimate national aspiration for self-determination and statehood, just as Israelis do. Recognizing each other’s national rights is an essential step toward peace. Yet, these aspirations often collide, leading to struggles over land, resources, and sovereignty.