Nidhish Waghmare
Cultural differences, land disputes and language barriers. Almost a year after Hamas attacked Natanyahu led Israel, here’s the history of Israel Palestine conflict amid what’s happening in Palestine.
The cultural differences between Israelis and Palestinians contribute significantly to the ongoing conflict and difficulties in achieving peaceful coexistence. However, the situation has escalated too much to chalk it up to just a few simple causes.
How it all started: The History of Israel and Palestine
Israel holds great historical and religious significance for Jews. It is seen as the biblical Promised Land, home to ancient Israelite kingdoms, especially during the reigns of Kings David and Solomon.
Jewish culture in Israel is diverse, shaped by Jews from around the world. It includes Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, and Ethiopian traditions. Hebrew is the main language, and there are notable contributions in literature, arts, and religious practices.
On the other hand, the cultural identity of Palestine is contrasting. The land has been home to various people over thousands of years, including Canaanites, Philistines, and later Arab populations. From the 7th century onwards, it became predominantly Arab and Muslim.
Under Ottoman rule (1517-1917), and later British Mandate (1917-1948), the region saw significant Arab cultural and social development. Palestinian Arabs developed a distinct national identity, particularly during the British Mandate period.
Hence, the Israeli Narrative emphasises the Jewish historical connection to the land, the trauma of the Holocaust, and the need for a safe Jewish homeland.
On the other hand, Palestinian Narrative focuses on the long history of Arab presence, the experience of displacement and loss of land in 1948 and 1967, and the struggle for national self-determination.
Both sides have experienced profound trauma—Jews from centuries of persecution culminating in the Holocaust, and Palestinians from displacement and ongoing occupation. These traumas influence collective memories and perceptions of the other.
Differences and narratives that led to the friction
Israel’s political and legal systems prioritize Jewish cultural and national identity. The Palestinian governance in the West Bank and Gaza seeks to assert Palestinian identity and autonomy. These differing governance structures and laws make the divisions even more noticeable.
Some of the main causes of the friction between the two nations are religious differences, linguistic barriers as well as the different narratives built by the respective media.
Jerusalem and other holy sites are very important to both Israelis and Palestinians, making it hard to find compromise. Religious extremism on both sides increases tensions and harms peace efforts.
The use of media and education to further reinforce biased notions about the conflict has made the younger generation unsympathetic towards their neighbours. While there have been killings on both ends, one side completely disregards the toil of another, increasing the hate and stretching the violence.
Addressing these cultural divides requires not only political solutions but also efforts to foster mutual understanding, respect, and dialogue between the two communities.
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