The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Palestine
The problem with the creation of Israel in the late 1940's was simple: The Jews had not lived in Palestine for some time, and the land is sacred in both Judaism and Islam, but since those two religions don't appreciate each other's point of view (historically), the rise of Israel was violent and many Arabs lost everything to the fledgling government. This is literally the case for Bashir, an advocate for his people.
However, as Dalia's story points out, the Jews needed a place to remain after the horrors of the Holocaust. The conversation is further complicated by the fact that Dalia's family wasn't really involved in the political terrorism of the late 1940's. They just moved into an empty house once the Arabs were forced out.
Friendship despite differences
Interestingly, the seriousness of the conflict never wanes, not even in 2004, 60 years later, when Bashir and Dalia reconnect to talk through things. Even then, they still disagree about their political views concerning Israel.
But that doesn't stop them from opening an integrated school for both Jews and Muslims. In other words, they respect each other enough to respect their disagreement for what it is. However, the conflict notwithstanding, they are motivated by peace. Their unlikely, serendipitous friendship survives through their lives.
The value of human life
Another painful part of the novel is that Bashir is a terrorist throughout parts of his adult life. This goes against his appreciation for Dalia, but it's also an indication of the seriousness of his political views. In his opinion, the Israeli state is a terrorist state, formed unjustly, and sustained by terrorism against the Arab Palestinians who already lived there when Israel formed. These views are demonstrated through his career of disobedience and terrorism.
But when Bashir and Dalia talk, she evokes more from him than that. When they are talking, their friendship is more powerful than his hate for the Israeli government. The difference is simply that Bashir understands the value of Dalia's life, but when he sees Israelite forces, he can't see past their allegiance to a nation whom he detests (although, as he points out, his beef is not racial or religious, but simply ethical).
