Monday

Next day June 1st - Wednesday - we expect trouble in the Old CIty. It's Reunificaiton Day - the day when Israel took over East Jerusalem (they already had possession of the western part) and united the city. Riots and protests among the Palestinians are expected ... especially in the view of September's imminent call for an independent Palestinian State. Yesterday's papers reported that Israel is expecting widespread violence in September as well. So much for peace.

Meanwhile the opening of the Rafa border between Egypt and Gaza saw Gazans crossing into Egypt the first time in 4 years since the blockade was imposed. Most do so for medical reasons. But this lifting has not deterred the Turkish Flotilla from its planned trip by sea to break the naval blockade and bring supplies into Gaza. It'll be a tense and provocative act.

Found out this morning that every time a military helicopter flies over my house, my internet connection breaks. They must be using really strong radar stuff to block all communications when they fly over any place.

The weather has warmed up alot after yesterday's cold spell. Summer is riding high. It should be a nice day except that I'm down with diarrhea again. Had some rice and steamed fish last night but obviously my stomach is not ready for it.

Upside down

First we had exploding watermelons in China http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13422776 Now we have poison cucumbers in Spain http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13587182  Whatever next? We can now actually use fruit as Weapons of Mass Destruction. Bet you Bush Jr. never even thought of that.

And the weather here has gone haywire. Hot with 33 degrees during the day, but yesterday morning at 6am and 8am, it started to rain! Utterly unbelievable at this time of the year!

And our female canaries that laid broods of eggs last year, have all started singing like males this week. Our cook is getting spooked by this.

Killer tornadoes in America, Typhoon in Philippines and Japan .... the world is turning upside down. "Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold; mere anarchy is loosed upon the world" (W.B. Yeats, The 2nd Coming)

Moving on

Overall tension in the country. Egypt has opened up its border to Gaza after 4 years; hundreds of Gazans are running into Egypt now for food, medicine and necessities, but it also means terrorists can come into Gaza. Not a comforting thought for Israel.

Piazzas were filled with activities yesterday ... sure sign that summer is here. Street bands, performers ... all very festive. School holidays will soon begin and city centres will come to live. But security will also be heightened.

The talk about town is Israeli PM's visit to Washington and meeting with Obama. I thought about Joseph and his 11 brothers in view of this visit. Just as the 11 brothers eventually bowed down before Joseph when he became vizier of Egypt. Now we see Netanyahu coming to Washington, openly refusing to accept Obama's speech regarding Israel's situation. And Obama bowed to Israel. The authority of the tiny Holyland bends the will of the most powerful country in the world. And so the world moves on from here.

Don't judge a book by its cover

Yesterday was awfully hectic. Was in charge of the sanctuary while everyone else took a holiday. Hundreds of Brasilian pilgrims came, then a cruise ship of visitors came (several hundred people) and my greatest nightmare - groups of Israeli students came. The first few groups of these students (on a field trip to study different religions) were utterly disrespectful and arrogant. While Mass was going on, they shouted and chatted and ate and drank at the back of the Church. When someone told them to tone down, they started clapping and whistling to disrupt the Mass.

Later on, several boy students came into the Church. Boisterous looking, with earrings, rolled up sleeves, talking with an attitude. I thought this must be trouble so I went up to them. Surprise - they asked quietly and politely about the symbols found in the church. They had a homework on Christianity and they wanted some answers. So I introduced them to the various symbols. Then 4 girl students joined in, asking more questions and writing down in their notebooks. Their interest and courtesy took me by surprise - after the rowdy crowd of students earlier in the morning. In fact the most surprising was the cheekiest guy among the group - he refused to leave the church, asking more about the priesthood, the Mass, confession. And I thought he was the one who would give the most trouble. He was the one who went out several times to call other students in to listen to my explanations. I was pretty guilty of my prejudice after that. As they left, he and another girl said the church was the most beautiful and peaceful place they have ever been and they love it very much. Well, it goes to show you must never judge a book by its cover.

Helicopters have been flying overhead the whole day and night - way into midnight. We think they're either bombing Gaza or watching out for the Turkish flotilla that's coming in to break the blockade of Gaza. Whatever it is, we pray no one gets hurt.

By the way, my diarrhea has stopped because I took the age-old remedy - coca cola!

Crawling back to life

Have been off air for several days due to a crippling diarrhea since last Friday. Absolutely awful. Almost fainted last Saturday because of it. Still got it today.

But I managed to crawl to the Indian Mass (Konkani) because Praveen's mum came and he wanted me to be there. We both celebrated the Mass with the usual huge crowd of several hundred, then went off to their Konkani Centre (actually a small flat) where they organised a party for Praveen's mum up on the roof. They had barbeque chicken wings and curry pork, and of course what I love most - curry fish and rice. Had some of it but everything came out just as quickly. Utterly hopeless. Unfortunately Prav couldn't stay for dinner as he had another Mass in Haifa ... 2 hours car ride away.


Earlier someone from the US State Dept. invited me for lunch in her home. Lovely baked Salmon (no oil) which I can eat. But everything came out as well. I guess I should go back to the hospital. Something is wrong somewhere.

That's Prav's mum in red sari and blue shawl. They felt cold up on the roof but the rest of us were hot because we were manning the barbeque.


Anyway things are worse for others. An innocent girl near Hebron was killed "out of honour" by her family even though there was no proof.  It is really a sad sad situation when people are hounded and killed because of rumours and perceived realities. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/05/20/mideast.honor.killing/index.html?hpt=P1

Another curiosity

At every corner, there's always a surprise. Here in the Old City of Jaffa there's a "hanging tree" - literally suspended above ground!

In a couple of days, the Jewish feast of Lag Ba'Omer will begin. Bonfires and picnics are the order of the day. School children and especially their parents are stressed out looking for wood to contribute to bonfires.

Curiosities

Here's a first time : rice cooked in Coca Cola. Apparently Columbians like this dish. Tastes bitter though.

The day after

Calm has returned to the city and the country. Life has gone back to normal ... for those who have not suffered lost of a relative. Its time to evaluate yesterday's events from both sides of the clash ... and hopefully reason and peace will prevail.

Violence (updated)

Palestinian refugees from Lebanon and Syrian try to enter Israel. Unrest in most Palestinian areas with checkpoints.


Suspected terrorist attack in Tel Aviv 2 hours ago. 1 killed, 16 injured. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=220575 and http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1-killed-16-hurt-as-truck-plows-into-cars-pedestrians-in-suspected-tel-aviv-terror-attack-1.361806 

Arab demonstration for Nakba Day has spread to Jaffa (Tel Aviv) - the first time ever. Thousands marched and chanted. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hundreds-in-jaffa-take-to-the-streets-to-mark-nakba-day-1.361666  and http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=220514

Both Israeli and Palestinian military are hoping to contain the violence today  http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-hopes-calm-will-prevail-as-nakba-day-begins-1.361719  but arab countries surrounding Israel are also marking Nakba Day. Too much to handle. If the Palestinian authorities want to declare statehood, then now is the test - can it handle it's own social unrest? If they fail today, then everything they aspire is hollow.

More tensions are expected throughout the country and especially in East Jerusalem. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=220498

Godzilla storm

More violence in Jerusalem today. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/violent-clashes-erupt-between-police-and-palestinians-at-east-jerusalem-funeral-1.361634  Things will get more heated by this evening and tomorrow. The city will be closed again but I don't think it will stop rioting inside its streets and alleys. Preparing for the worse, but hoping for the best. Tomorrow is Good Shepherd Sunday. Let's pray that the Good Shepherd will guide everyone to peaceful waters and restful meadows ... not war, violence and death that everyone is heading.

Last night a storm broke over the city. Thunder, lightening and very heavy rain. None of us could sleep. I was thinking of an adjective to describe the storm ... but could only think of "godzilla". It was a godzilla storm.

What a coincidence!?

Disney and reality: Is art imitating life or life imitating art?

Black Friday

So it's Friday today; and it's the 13th. Computers crash, end of the world ... well, it didn't all happen though blogger.com was down for the whole day.

The Old City was closed off today - Friday before Nakba Day. Soldiers and police manned the city gates and prohibited muslim men below 45 yrs to enter. There was fear of demonstrations and rioting after the noonday prayer in the Al Aksa mosque. Scuffles did occur outside the Old City and arrests were made. Rubber bullets and tear gas were fired.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israeli-palestinian-tensions-rise-in-jerusalem-west-bank-as-nakba-day-nears-1.361533 and photos  http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=220439

Tomorrow is Sabbath, and military presence will be equally strong. Sunday is Nakba Day - Day of Catastrophe - where Palestinians protest their land being occupied by Israel. We're expecting tensions and scuffles in the streets. I'm sure the Old City will be closed again.

And the tensions seem to be reflected in the weather. Grey gloomy skies and cold strong winds.

Some Photos

Here're some photos of the Independence Day parade by the coast.

Crowds gather at the beach to watch the parade

The parade of yachts

Fighter jets in formation flight

The Navy parade

More fighter jets in formation

Families gather on the hilltop to barbeque and watch the parade

Israel at 63

Independence Day - with a wide mixture of reactions. While most of the country is on holiday, there are also dissenting voices among Israeli ranks  http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/what-kind-of-independence-is-this-1.360641  / http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/israel-at-63-what-part-of-shut-up-do-you-not-understand-1.360754 and of course anger among the Palestinians. While the "Nakbar Law" has been enforced, it will not stop the Palestinians from organising demonstrations on Nakbar Day in 5 days time.

Anyway families are out in the parks and beaches, barbecuing.  http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=219931  The parade was impressive by the coast. Fighter planes flew overhead in formation, the navy sailed past. Even El Al flew 3 carriers at low altitude. Smaller aircraft also flew past in formation ... so close (less than 40 metres) that I could see the pilot who waved at me and I waved back. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=219948

Meantime there's quite some attention about a Jewish Orthodox newspaper that doctored and removed the picture of Hilary Clinton because women should not be seen. http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/u-s-orthodox-newspaper-apologizes-for-altering-white-house-photo-1.360824  Democracy? Israel is politically 63 years old; Judaism is thousands of years old. How can democracy pretend to guide Judaic society?

Memorial Day

Sirens wailed throughout the country last night as the country stopped in solemn reflection and remembrance of the soldiers that have died in defense of their country. Everyone has somehow lost a relative or friend to a war in this country. It is an injured society, a hurting country. However it has been noted especially by bereaving families that the switch from mourning in Memorial Day to celebration in Independence Day is too quick - one follows the other at sunset tonight. They're calling for a break between the two  http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/bereaved-families-petition-for-break-between-memorial-and-independence-days-1.360620

The fuel contamination crisis has reached national level. All international flights are on hold because there is not enough clean fuel to carry the planes off - most flights need to refuel in Cyprus. Luckily the contamination was discovered in time, as it would have caused planes to fall from the sky - the contamination coagulates and blocks fuel pipes and damages fuel tanks. The nature of the contamination is still unknown: http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-considers-seeking-foreign-assistance-for-jet-fuel-contamination-crisis-1.360612  and it's so nationwide that even cars and trucks are now affected http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/nationwide-fuel-contamination-suspected-buses-and-trucks-reportedly-affected-1.360050  The State is still not calling it a terrorist sabotage - well, if it were an honest mistake, it's costing the country millions of dollars everyday, and someone has to pay.

Black Day

12 dead in the fanatical muslim attack of a Coptic Christian Church in Cairo. 200 injured.  2 churches burnt. The persecution never ends. When will the world wake up and do something to help the christians? I guess never ... it's the destiny of Christians to carry their cross and die.

This evening Memorial Day begins. Israel remembers its fallen soldiers of the past 63 years. A minute of silence will be observed and many businesses will be closed or open late after the memorial siren is sounded.

Yesterday I faced a shameless encounter of racism. I went to a Jewish-Israeli institute to ask for information but before I could finish my sentence, the guard spoke in perfect American accent "Don't speak english to me. I don't speak english. I don't understand english". The simple fact was I was not Jewish nor Israeli and they don't want to serve "gentiles/pagans/goiim". So much for Independence Day which will be celebrated on Tuesday ... instead of a open democratic society, Independence Day reminds us gentiles that it's 63 years that we're not welcomed here. Yet we are the ones who hold up the Israeli economy - bringing in tourists that make up 40% of the country's income.

Sabbath

Thursday's contamination of aeroplane fuel in the country saw a massive cancellation of all flights. I heard the fuel contamination also affected cars. Whatever it is, it's a pretty strange state of affairs ... and national security seems to have been compromised.

The weather is still riding on 30 degrees or so. Extremely hot. If the contaminated fuel had reached the power stations, that would mean the disruption of energy supply - no aircons and fans, no refrigeration. What a crisis it could have become!

Yesterday the world's last WWI fighter died. The final link to that event is gone and WW1 becomes only an article in the textbooks. An era has slipped into the reserves of collective memory and soon no one will speak of it again.

Here Israel's Independence Day will soon come round. Flags are being sold everywhere, and face-painting the flag is now very common.  Of course Palestinian displeasure is obvious; so tensions are high and you can note more military presence everywhere.

And exhilaration all round ... Israel's basketball team Makkabi Tel Aviv has reached the finals of the Euroleague match. It'll face Greek team Panathinaikos. But we all know Makkabi will win ..... even without Omri Casspi. Aaahhh but we still have Lior Eliyahu! Will have to decide how to celebrate Makkabi's expected win tomorrow .... all eyes glued to the tv.

Lior in action

Summer at last

Summer must be here because the weather hot 31 degrees yesterday. The sun scorches your skin but a cold wind is still blowing. Strange weather ... but then again, which part of the world hasn't had its share of strange weather? Japan is certainly getting a beating from Mother Nature; and New Zealand got it's first tornado.

Thanks

Thanks to all who have passed on things to me: Ma Fung Ming, 2008 Holy Week Pilgrim Group, Angela Leung, Cavero family, Julia and Susan, May Look, Francesco Li & family, Margaret Lobo.

Dark days ahead?

There is talk in the streets that a 3rd Intifada will start on May 30th when Palestinians celebrate "Land Day" or May 15th "Nakbar Day" (Day of Catastrophe). I was told that Palestinians in the West Bank and refugees from Jordan are urged to converge in Jerusalem and retake the city. Now that is certainly going to cause alot of consternation and worry for the rest of us. What we don't want is instability, violence and another war. Believe me when I say tensions are high in the streets. And the killing of Bin Laden isn't helping one bit to quell the rising hatred.

This evening the Israeli Jews marched through our quarter again. They do it once a month. Provocative - some people say. It's a statement to the arabs that the Muslim Quarter where they live is also under Israel's control. Police and soldiers blocked the streets and prevented access to non-Israeli Jews. I was caught out as I had to go out and get a document from another place. The Druze police (I presume, otherwise he would be an arab Israeli) refused to let me go back home (our road was blocked off as it was part of the march route) through the barriers, yelling in arabic at me that he "didn't give a damn about Christians or priests". I spoke back in arabic (he didn't expect that) that I lived inside the blocked route and I have a right to go back home. He rudely pointed me to the other end of the barrier where a soldier let me through. I wonder what his enthusiasm was all about - after all he may be Israeli but he's NOT a Jew ... why pretend to be more Israeli than the real Israelis? Get a life, man! What a loser ... go find your own land to live and defend.

Holocaust Day

Today the country stood still in silence for one minute at 10am; sirens wailed throughout the country. Traffic stopped, people got out of cars and buses, pedestrians, shopkeepers, soldiers, children and aged ... even foreigners like me ... all stood in silent remembrance of those killed in the Holocaust. It was a profound moment. I thought of Edith Stein, Titus Brandsma, Maximillian Kolbe and so many others who died in the hands of violent senseless hatred.

After the silence, shops, restaurants, offices began to open and function as usual. I happened to be out in the New City when the sirens sounded. There was an awesome silence as everything stopped, only the siren could be heard. After that, I shared a bagel with a friend to assuage his hunger ... I didn't feel hungry at all but as he offered, I took it. I guess it took on a more profound significance at that moment of the Holocaust Day ... of people sharing and being generous instead of being selfish, hateful and fearful of others.