A History and Future of Coexistence in the Holy Land
by Timothy (Timo) Witmer, 2025 Spring Associate
One of the most polarizing international issues in recent history has been the deeply entrenched conflict between Israel and Palestine. This land is sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and holds immense religious, historical, and cultural value. It has also been the home for many different cultures and people groups over the course of history, meaning many have a claim to the land. Though the past century has been marked by violence and extremism, making coexistence seem impossible, religious harmony has existed in the region before- and it can again.
Historically, religious coexistence in Israel and Palestine was more common than many realize. Under Ottoman rule, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, Muslims, Jews and Christians lived side by side in cities such as Jerusalem, Hebron, and Jaffa. The Ottoman millet system- an administrative structure that granted religious communities autonomy over internal affairs- provided a framework for this coexistence. In the accounts of Wasif Jawhariyyeh, a Palestinian Christian musician who lived under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, daily life in these cities is portrayed as vibrant, multifaith, and joint celebrations of religious holidays. This system was not without flaws- non-Muslims had to pay a jizya tax and non-Abrahamic minorities faced discrimination- however, it stands as an example of religious pluralism in practice.
Religious Freedom Conditions
Today, Israel legally protects religious freedom, with Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and other religious minorities being able to worship openly. Holy sites are often accessible to all, with churches, synagogues, and mosques all within close proximity to each other. However, this freedom is sometimes limited by political and security concerns. Furthermore, some sects of Judaism lack official state recognition. While religious freedom is largely protected, these tensions highlight the fragile balance between national security and religious freedom.
In the Palestinian territories, religious freedom is more complex. In the West Bank, a Christian minority lives among a Muslim majority. Churches and religious sites remain, but political instability and social pressures can limit religious expression. In Gaza, governed by Hamas, Christians often attempt to maintain a low profile to avoid unwanted attention. Furthermore, Jewish existence in both Gaza and the West Bank is virtually nonexistent. While nominally Palestinian law protects religious freedom, the enforcement is inconsistent, largely because of continuous instability.
Understanding Perspectives
To move forward, it’s crucial to understand the historical traumas on all sides. For many Jews, centuries of persecution which culminated in the Holocaust led to international support for the creation of a Jewish state in 1948. While this was seen as a triumph in the Jewish community, Palestinians often see this differently. This same event- known as the Nakba- brought mass displacement, dispossession, and trauma. Many see Israel’s founding as justified by Jewish theology and backed by Christian Zionism, fueling resentment among Palestinian Muslims and Christians alike.
Palestinian Christians occupy a unique and often painful space in this picture. They face challenges from both Islamic extremists and Israeli military actions. While they do often side with fellow Palestinians against Israeli policy, many also feel overlooked and abandoned by Western Christians, who seem to support Israel while ignoring Palestinian suffering. As a result, Palestinian Christians frequently advocate for both religious coexistence as well as political justice, serving as crucial bridge-builders.
While the conflict is not purely religious, faith-based rhetoric and actions have deepened divisions. However, faith can also inspire reconciliation. Organizations like Musalaha promote healing via interfaith dialogue, and groups such as Rabbis for Human Rights partner with Christian and Muslim leaders to oppose violence and hatred. Interfaith meals and prayer services are also held, in cities such as Jerusalem, Haifa, and Bethlehem, to offer hope, especially in the aftermath of tragedy.
A Glimmer of Hope
After the October 7th attacks, examples of interfaith solidarity emerged. In both Israel and the West Bank, multifaith initiatives brought Jews, Muslims, and Christians together in shared calls for peace. In Haifa, leaders from all three Abrahamic faiths joined vigils that called for the shared values of dignity, justice, and compassion. While sometimes overlooked, these quiet yet powerful actions reflect glimmers of hope.
My personal experiences in Egypt and Morocco have shown me what interfaith respect can look like. As a Christian in a Muslim-majority culture, I was met with kindness and hospitality. In Egypt, Muslim neighbors and shopkeepers would always make sure that we were doing well and that if we needed anything, they would be there for us. In Morocco, my Muslim host family would ensure that I was up and fed before church every Sunday. I participated with them in Islamic holidays and was able to learn about what they believed. We did not erase our differences, but rather respected them- and that is the key to make coexistence possible.
Israel and Palestine face unique challenges, but the principle remains: religious freedom and national security go hand-in-hand. Research by Pew Center and Brian Grim show that societies with greater religious freedom enjoy more stability, economic growth, and better governance. Where security is threatened, religious liberty often suffers. Improving one can help strengthen the other.
Building Towards the Future
Though the path to peace is daunting, history shows that change must begin with individuals who refuse to give up. From the abolition of slavery to the fall of apartheid, progress has come through persistent advocacy. Promoting peace and religious freedom in Israel and Palestine may seem idealistic and far-fetched, it is necessary. For future generations- Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and others - the work must begin now.
By listening to each other’s stories, building trust, and embracing shared values, we can make religious freedom a force for peace rather than a casualty of war. Despite any bleakness of the present, we must fight for a future where people of all faiths can live freely and safely in a land they all call holy.
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