GENEVA - An intriguing theory has made the rounds in the scientific community for years, claiming the existence of "parallel universes," worlds that replicate ours but in which a single event can send the course of history in a different direction. The concept has proved irresistible to science fiction writers and amateur historians, pondering what would have happened if, for example, Hitler's mother had crossed the street just in time to be fatally hit by an Austrian trolley, sparing us World War II. Or if Ralph Nader had discovered a new hobby and decided to focus his attention on something other than the 2000 presidential election, clearing the way for Al Gore to become president.

As Israel this month marks 60 years since the modern re-founding of its ancient state, one can only wonder if, in a parallel universe, an organizing committee is busy preparing streamers and confetti to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Palestine, as well.

In November 1947, the United Nations voted to partition land in the Middle East that Britain had inherited from the dying Ottoman Empire after World War I. Three-quarters of the territory of Palestine had been relinquished years earlier by Winston Churchill, creating an Arab country in what is now Jordan. Then the U.N. decided that Britain should withdraw from what was left of colonial Palestine and voted to divide the remaining land three ways, creating one Jewish state, one Arab state and an international territory in the city of Jerusalem.

The boundaries proposed by the United Nations represented a deep disappointment for the Jews and Arabs of the region. Jewish leaders accepted the partition, although many argued that they had an ancient right to much more of the land. Arab leaders rejected the U.N. decision and prepared for war.

In a parallel universe, Arabs and Jews both decided that the U.N. plan, flawed as it was, comprised a reasonable compromise. British forces left in orderly fashion and two countries -- Israel and Palestine -- shared a birthplace and a birthday.

Instead, in our painful reality, Israel declared its independence on May 14, 1948 and was immediately attacked by the armies of five Arab countries. When the war ended, Egypt held the Gaza strip and Jordan controlled the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Perhaps in a parallel universe, Jordan and Egypt decided to hand these territories to Palestinians after the war, creating the first Palestinian state. But in our world, that did not happen. There were more wars to come.

In 1967, Israel battled the forces of Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. In six days Israel emerged with control of Gaza and the West Bank.

In a parallel universe, the land then was successfully exchanged for peace and security. In reality, Israeli Gen. Igal Yalon proposed a land-for-peace trade, which was followed by an Arab summit in Khartoum that produced the "three nos" declaration: No peace, no recognition of Israel and no negotiations with Israel.

In a parallel universe, perhaps Israel pushed harder for a land-for-peace trade, despite the sense of national exhilaration that followed the victory of the Six Day War. Perhaps with a greater effort from Israel and more pressure from world powers, the Arabs decided to say yes.

In our universe, there was no hint of accommodation until 1973, when Egypt and Israel agreed to the first peace treaty between Arabs and Israelis. But that did not end the conflict.

The lost chances for peace have been many, with both sides missing opportunities to change the course of history.

In a parallel universe, Yasser Arafat did not walk out of the Camp David meeting with Bill Clinton and Ehud Barak. Instead, he took advantage of the best chance for peace in half a century and stayed to negotiate the final details of a comprehensive agreement.

In a parallel universe, Israel and Palestine now live side-by-side in peace, with vibrant trade and cultural exchanges, neighbors not unlike Belgium and the Netherlands.

In a parallel universe, Israel and Palestine each have less territory than they would like, but both governments focus on progress, freedom and prosperity for their people.

In a parallel universe, the land was amicably divided long ago, so Israeli "settlements" are no longer an obstacle to peace.

In a parallel universe, the children of Gaza are not subjected to vicious lies that make them hate Jews, such as the TV program last month that told them the Holocaust was organized by "Satanic Jews" to get rid of the weak and handicapped. Instead, the Hamas leaders of Gaza agree to accept Israel's existence and Palestinian children are provided with an appreciation for the benefits of peace and coexistence.

In that universe, Israel and Palestine are now preparing to celebrate together the 60th anniversary of their flourishing nations.