This is not a political essay or theory… there are and there will be many bumps to go in the "road map" for peace in the Middle East. But the "what could have happened" in the Iraq war turned into the "what didn’t happen." This close brush with fate — for the Israelis and for the Palestinians as well — gives pause to reflect. While the current ceasefire and turndown in homicidal incidents and violence in general is certainly encouraging, I use a far different measurement for gauging optimism.

Call it the "Berro Factor." You see, my name is very special to me, as I hope your name is to you. My father’s family roots go way back, we believe, traceable to Spain more than 500 years ago.

If you remember your world and Jewish history you will remember that the Jews were expelled from Spain and Portugal in the late 15th century and most moved eastward throughout the Mediterranean and North African world. Some traveled as far east as India.

Such Jews with Spanish roots are known as Sephardic Jews. My family, in its exodus from Spain, chose to settle on the beautiful and tiny island of Rhodes, once home of the fabled Colossus that towered over the harbor. They were one of the oldest families to continuously live in Rhodes and they made their living over the centuries in the fishing trade.

Well, I still love tuna and nicely done salmon does wonders for me.

I found out on the Internet that the Berro families that I knew are not alone. By the way, "berro" in Spanish means watercress, which is not only a tasty green vegetable, it is a potent cancer fighter according to www.watercress.com.

There are, as one might imagine, many Spanish Berros, with Spanish first names too. But I was quite surprised — to say the least — to find that there are Arab Berros as well.

It took me awhile, but I contacted, via e-mail, one Berro of Lebanese origin now living in the United States. He seems like a nice guy, with a great scientific and academic resume. Much more than a name, here’s what we share in common:

We are both deeply committed to peace in the Middle East. We both love who we are, our identities, our backgrounds, our sense of ethnic pride, and our heritage.  We both know something else — war is hateful and violent and quite simply not good for people.

Our families both, no doubt, came to America for opportunity. In my case, none too soon. The proud little Jewish community of Rhodes was obliterated by the Nazis. Today, the Jewish community of Rhodes is no more, only a mere caretaker presence for the curious and the traveler.

The seeds of peace are indeed planted in every person who wants an end to conflict, whether one lives at the point of a gun or lives thousands of miles away. There is a spirit more powerful than violence, than hatred — it is the hope and prayer that every one of us wants for ourselves and our world — to live our lives to the fullest potential.

Yes, I remain an optimist for peace in the Middle East. I have found that you do not have to share the same name, the same religion or the same skin color to want shalom, to want salaam. In the still softness of expression, those words sound and mean the same basic desire for peace.

So from Berros everywhere — Jewish Berros, Arab Berros, Spanish Berros and who-knows-who Berros — I have found a common expression for peace among all peoples. After all, if "watercress" can fight cancer, then the Berros can fight enmity as well.