This square is a variation of a log cabin design called 'court house steps' and as such refers to the legal political negotiations for peace in the middle east. The red center represents the heart of the land. On one side a blue stripe symbolizes Israel and on the other a green stripe stands for Palestine. Four sets of steps surround the red center. Black opposes black and white opposes white. Black represents the death and destruction each side has suffered. The white symbolizes hope for the surrender of grievances needed by both parties to allow the peace process to succeed. Each set of is five deep - one step for each decade since the founding of the modern state of Israel. The symmetry of the design reminds us of the balance that will hopefully be achieved in the Middle East.

Valerie Goodale, Vancouver British Columbia Canada