Calm

There were no riots in the Old City today, but the military grip was heavy. The City gates were closed off till I think after noon prayers at the mosque. It was practically impossible for any arab man to enter the City let alone the mosque. Even in the New City, the military presence was overwhelming. It's the Jewish feast of Purim and children dressed up in costumes went about reveling under heavy guard. Well they tried to enjoy but the weather proved too much.

The rains perhaps was the saving grace from more violence. It beat down and the wind was blustering cold. It made sure people stayed indoors and not cause anymore trouble. Pitied the poor soldiers though, who had to stand guard in the rain and cold. In a word, it was a miserable day for most of us. The violence has got to stop. But no one dares to cradle this hope that has long proved elusive.

The 93 yr old widow of Moshe Dayan gave a biting interview in the papers. She says "We [Israelis] don't know how to make peace. We go from war to war and it will never end", and "We're a mob that can't even get along internally, so we're going to get along with them [Palestinians]?" Read all about it at http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1152801.html 

Anyway my exhaustion is breaking me. More people today have remarked that I look totally broken and I think one has even gone to speak to the Custos to let me have a break from work. I am exhausted.