June 4th

Yesterday the Pope arrived in Cyprus. Hot and humid. The tiny Catholic community must be thrilled.

While we read that strong and widespread reactions took place around the world against the Gaza event, here in Jerusalem at least, nothing has happened. People here are tired - tired of fighting, shooting, killing. They just want to go on with life - to eat a meal, walk in the streets safely, go to school, exercise a trade. We just want a normal life. There was no reinforced military presence here except yesterday during Friday Muslim prayers. But things continued as usual.

A couple of days ago Israelis here celebrated the centenary of the agricultural Kibbutz movement. Roads were closed in the New City from Mamilah Park - school children and farmers in ancient tractors paraded down the major thoroughfare - King George Street. Pretty festive but for the traffic, it was a nightmare.