A few weeks ago, my Palestinian friend Issa in Jerusalem’s Old City said to me: “Why do Palestinians have to suffer in this land because of you?” Issa wasn’t talking about Israel’s redemption but about the “Palestinian catastrophe” that befell his people with the return of the Jews to their land. He works in a small café and speaks fluent Hebrew—the language of those who, for him, symbolize Israel’s return, resurrection, and strength. And that’s exactly where the tension lies. The redemption of one is simultaneously a tragedy for others. Israel’s rebirth is their plague. Over a bitter Arabic espresso, we both tried to understand each other’s lives. We had two stories but only one land. And we had many wounds, each of us. That wasn’t easy. But we talked. And that was at least more than many others do.

What does Israel’s redemption have to do with the suffering of other nations? Where does historical fact turn into moral challenge? Throughout history (and no less in biblical accounts), a burdensome...

Israel Today Membership

Become a Member

• Read all member content

  Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel.

• Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel

  Connect with Israel, right from your home.

• Lift up the voice of truth and hope

  Support Jerusalem-based Zionist journalism.

Become a Member

Already a member? Login here.