Friday

The situation in Egypt is making us all nervous. We're worried for Fr Vincenzo and his community in Alexandria where riots have been taking place. An Egypt ruled by extremist Islamic groups will be very bad for the Copts living there; and definitely bad for us here in Israel. Our school excursion to Egypt next week has been cancelled.

Rioting and protests escalating in Amman, Jordan as well. Not good as Israel is now sandwiched by two unstable countries.

Jerusalem today was on high alert. Lots of soldiers at all intersections leading to the Old City. Roads were temporarily closed during the noontime Muslim prayer. There were fears of rioting due to the killing of a Palestinian youth yesterday. Clashes between Jewish settlers and Palestinians spread to 4 other places around the country, including Gush Etzion south of Jerusalem. I haven't seen anything like this since the last Intifada.

My fever and headache is still bigtime. Unfortunately I could hardly rest - calls and visits nonstop throughout the morning. I had to go back to the Pharmacy and pay for the medicine I took yesterday - Rami the pharmacist was very kind and allowed me to take home the medicine even when I didn't bring enough money to pay for it. Paid my debt, then went off to the Supermarket to get basic necessities before the weekend starts. Managed to rest only at 3pm this afternoon. Hope tonight will be better, with no fever and less headache.