But examples like the budding business relationship between Adam Ziv, an Israeli Jew, and his partner Alaa Sweitat from the Arab village of Tarshiha prove that peaceful coexistence is possible.

Ziv had dreamed since childhood of opening a genuine ice cream parlor. He even traveled to Italy to learn the secrets of making real ice cream. When it came time to start a business of his own, Ziv wanted an Arab business partner, because, in addition to making ice cream, he had a deep desire to foster coexistence. He found the ideal business partner in Sweitat, and together they have opened an ice cream parlor in the center of Tarshiha.

“Imagine a summer afternoon,” Ziv said as he described his vision to Israel’s Ynet news portal. “Jewish and Arab parents arriving with their children, nice music playing in the background, the air conditioner is on and the sun is pleasant, and there’s of course good ice cream. What happens? They all sit down and lick their ice cream together....