What saddens me the most about this situation is the gulf of understanding between the two sides and that so many people (on both sides) are only making matters worse instead of trying to work towards understanding and being able to live together in peace.

In my experience, when having such a discussion, one needs to have a willingness to listen to and really try to understand the other side's point of view. Starting from a position of "I know I'm right and you're wrong" is usually counter-productive.

This does not mean giving up our principles - we do not have to change our minds in the end. But we should try to listen and be willing to consider a new perspective.