The conflict between Palestine and Israel has persisted for decades, driven not only by territorial disputes but also by the involvement of global and regional powers. The United States has consistently backed Israel, while much of the Arab world has aligned with Palestine. Over time, this rivalry has transformed the conflict into a proxy battlefield for larger geopolitical agendas, where attempts at score-settling often take precedence over genuine reconciliation. As long as external actors dictate the narrative, true peace will remain out of reach.
At the heart of the Palestine–Israel conflict lies a profound irony: all three major religions that dominate the debate trace their origins to a single patriarch—Abraham. In Jewish tradition, Abraham is the father of the covenant with God, which gave rise to the Israelite nation. For Christians, Abraham represents faith and obedience, forming the spiritual foundation of their relationship with God through Jesus Christ, who descended from his lineage. For Muslims, Abraham (Ibrahim) is revered as a prophet who embodied ultimate submission to Allah, with his son Ishmael becoming a central ancestral figure.
Thus, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are collectively known as the “Abrahamic faiths”—siblings diverging in interpretation but united by origin. This commonality serves as a powerful reminder: the communities locked in conflict today are, in essence, descendants of the same family.
The Evolution of the Abrahamic Religions
After Abraham, the three religions evolved separately, each with distinct scriptures, practices, and identities, yet maintaining interwoven spiritual threads:
- Judaism emerged first, rooted in the covenant between God and the Israelites. Centered on the Torah and the Law of Moses, it established foundational traditions of worship, festivals, and ethical codes.
- Christianity arose later, building on Jewish traditions but distinguishing itself through the teachings of Jesus Christ. It emphasized salvation through faith, love, and forgiveness, eventually becoming one of the world’s largest religions.
- Islam appeared in the 7th century, presenting itself as the final revelation through the Prophet Muhammad. It recognized Abraham, Moses, and Jesus as prophets, but emphasized complete submission (Islam) to the one God (Allah), with the Quran as its guiding scripture.
Despite their distinct paths, these religions share core values—monotheism, prayer, charity, moral accountability, and the pursuit of peace. Their conflicts arose not from Abraham’s vision, but from political, territorial, and cultural divisions that developed over centuries.
A “Three-Nation Theory”: A Possible Framework for Peace
A thought-provoking solution, once suggested by a former Israeli Ambassador to India, revolves around what he called a “Three-Nation Theory.” This concept envisions Jerusalem as a spiritual and administrative hub where representatives of all three Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—coexist in a unique political and cultural arrangement. Such a framework could reduce the influence of external actors, empowering the people directly affected by the conflict to shape their own future.
Jerusalem is not merely a disputed territory; it is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Under this proposal, the city would become a symbol of brotherhood, where representatives of all three communities sit together to resolve grievances. Instead of exchanging accusations shaped by superiority complexes, each side would present its case openly, and settlements would be pursued through mutual understanding rather than imposed conditions.
The foundation of this idea is not political dominance but familial unity—recognizing that Jews, Christians, and Muslims share the same Abrahamic lineage. By embracing this shared ancestry, the communities could work toward reconciliation as members of one family rather than as adversaries. This would require a commitment to forgo wars, focus on peaceful arbitration, and use mutually agreed reparations as confidence-building measures rather than triggers of hostility.
A neutral, common space within Jerusalem could be designated for all three religions to celebrate their most important rituals and festivals. Such symbolism would help foster respect and coexistence. By presenting a spiritual model of harmony, the region could transform itself into a beacon of peace instead of a perpetual zone of conflict.
Lessons from India
India’s experience provides an instructive case study. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, first as Chief Minister and later as Prime Minister, efforts were made to promote a sense of patriotism and national unity that transcended religious boundaries. His governance model emphasized inclusiveness and development, often showcased as proof that unity in diversity is achievable when driven by strong leadership and vision. The Middle East, too, could draw lessons from this approach.
Toward a Family of Faiths
The Palestine–Israel conflict is often portrayed as irreconcilable. Yet, innovative ideas like the Three-Nation Theory offer a fresh framework. By making Jerusalem the hub of shared spiritual, cultural, and political life—and by prioritizing fraternity over rivalry—the people of the region could build a sustainable foundation for peace.
If Jews, Christians, and Muslims embrace love, coexistence, and the concept of family over fragmented religious divides, they would not only heal their own wounds but also inspire the rest of the world to resolve conflicts with compassion and brotherhood.
