When winter finally fades there is the hope and joy that comes from all the new growth and vegetation. Harsh barren scenes overnight become filled with colors of new buds and flowers. In the world today there are still many volatile issues that threaten peace and harmony. Israelis and Palestinians continue to live in the harsh climate of century old unresolved conflict, and it appears that nothing will ever change. However, like spring there must always be the hope that one day all concerned will realize that the only way to the future is to move from the ice cold barren hostility, to the fresh air that only peace can bring. May the hardened hearts on both sides open again to the possibility of a real spring in the Middle East.