Having witnessed how conflicts can harden people and destroy relations in several conflict area's, reading this article indeed gives a person hope, instead of turning into a cynic. This Ambonese case shows how important it is to have a process of reconciliation that is owned by all layers of society and policy makers. I can only wish that the next generation can look back at this period with pride and have moved further in developing a society of justice, peace and prosperity. Others might learn and follow.