The Day that never was

Today is Naksa Day - the Palestinian response to the Israeli unification of Jerusalem (beginning of 6 Day War). But nothing happened. We expected riots and protests but everyone went about their usual business. There is less passion here than from outside the Territories, such as the Syrian Border.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/syrian-protesters-amass-by-israel-border-ahead-of-naksa-day-rallies-1.366042 Nevertheless the Old City Gates are all closed today. Extremely tight security.

Yesterday there was a loud explosion nearby. Within minutes ambulances, fire engines and police rushed into the Old City through our street. My first thought was a terrorist bomb. An hour later I asked around and people told me the Austrian Hospice (Catholic hospice for German/Swiss pilgrims) was on fire. Someone left the gas on in the kitchen and when it ignited, there was an explosion. 2 people were hurt.

Went to meet my new friend Mohand this morning. Actually yesterday I was at his shop in the afternoon to buy a T-shirt. That's the 2nd time I bought things there. But I decided to pop by again this morning and he offered Turkish coffee. A good wake-me-up. We chatted for some 20 mins and he was expounding his philosophy of life. One phrase caught me - "We must use our own hands and feet to make our lives. It's God's gift. No one else will think about us." He's living proof. At 24 he left his job as General Manager of a huge chain of garment retailers to start his own tiny shop in the Old City. By the sweat of his brow he earns his own living and just got married last year. That's a big message for kids who sell their kidneys in order to buy iPads.