A lot of people are strangely hopeful. Many won't admit it. It's not politically correct. But the feeling is there. The Hamas majority in the Palestinian election last week has opened the door to possibility.
The first ray of hope came from the knowledge that the election wasn't managed. The result itself spoke for the democratic process.
Now we all hold our breath. A group of revolutionaries, armed and unapologetic about their violent past have found themselves at a crossroad. They are now the duly elected representatives of a people. Before them is the task of drawing borders; caring for a long deprived populace. The have been transformed in one day from a group of terrorists into a legitimate army. They speak in the world not as rebels and outlaws but as elected representatives.
Will they step up to the task? Will they give their people a longed for voice at the table? Will they negotiate with their neighbor and give up the idea of obliterating Israel?
Will they know how to come into the house after throwing stones at the door for so long?
And will the extreme right of both sides allow reasonable people to carry on a dialogue? Or will it end, as with Sadat and Rabin in acts of violence committed by the very people who they are trying to govern?
If the transition is possible it will require change on both sides. It will require patience as issues are hammered out. Old patterns broken.
I am holding my breath. Hoping for a miracle.