As a graduate student at Columbia University’s School of International Affairs, I delved deep into the complexities of the Middle East conflict. Semester after semester, we dissected this seemingly intricate issue, only to realize that its core is surprisingly straightforward.The Heart of the MatterAt its essence, the conflict boils down to a stark reality: one side wants the other side dead. Israel desires to exist as a Jewish State and live in peace, recognizing the Palestinians’ right to their own state. The crux of the problem lies in the fact that many Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims refuse to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist.A Historical PerspectiveThis rejection dates back to 1947 when the United Nations proposed dividing Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. While the Jews accepted this partition, Arab nations unanimously rejected it. On May 15, 1948, as Israel declared independence, neighboring Arab countries launched an attack to destroy the fledgling state.The Six-Day War and Its AftermathIn 1967, history repeated itself. Egypt’s leader, Gamal Abdul Nasser, openly declared his intention to destroy Israel. Despite Israel’s preemptive strikes and pleas for peace, Jordan joined the conflict, leading to Israel’s control of the West Bank.Land for Peace: A One-Sided EffortIsrael has consistently shown willingness to trade land for peace. In 1978, they returned the entire Sinai Peninsula to Egypt in exchange for a peace agreement. Similar offers to Palestinians, including a proposed sovereign state in 95% of the West Bank and all of Gaza in 2000, were met with rejection and violence.The Stark Contrast in AttitudesWhile Israel seeks coexistence, Palestinian media and education often glorify terrorism and demonize Jews. The motto of Hamas, Gaza’s ruling party, chillingly states, “We love death as much as the Jews love life.”A Matter of PerspectiveConsider this: There are 22 Arab states spanning from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. Israel, the sole Jewish state, is smaller than El Salvador. If Israel laid down its arms, it would face immediate destruction. If Arab countries did the same, peace would prevail overnight.The Historical TruthIt’s crucial to remember that there has never been a non-Jewish state in the area known as Palestine. Israel represents the third Jewish state in this region. The fundamental question remains: Why can’t this one Jewish state, merely the size of El Salvador, be allowed to exist peacefully?As I reflect on my academic journey and the realities on the ground, I’m struck by the simplicity of the core issue. The Middle East conflict, while challenging to resolve, is not as complex as it often appears. It’s a matter of existence and acceptance – a truth that became increasingly clear as I transitioned from the halls of academia to a deeper understanding of the region’s dynamics.