A holy peace: Religious values, collective identity, and the future of the Palestinian–Israeli conflict

Abstract

AbstractThis article envisions a new conceptual framework for collective identity among Palestinians and Israelis that can be modeled after congruent religious values. By identifying discreet values through the content analysis of religious scripture, this article argues that a new collective identity can be made, and a collective movement for peace initiated, by reframing and amplifying key religious values that are shared widely in Palestine/Israel. The analysis reveals that the religious centrality of Abraham to Palestinians and Israelis can act as a starting point for situating a transcendent connection between ideologically conflicted group identities. Furthermore, the cultural heritages of alms giving, forgiveness, and repentance can help overcome secular and religious barriers by acting as a key conceptual tool for interfaith dialog and negotiation. And finally, the inviolability of Jerusalem to both groups can be reframed to emphasize sacred space as a constructive mechanism for political and social equality rather than division. The article concludes with a discussion of the practical implications of this framework for grassroots peacemaking as well as the future viability of national partition plans.