Nationwide protest

Last night saw the largest nationwide protest by Israelis demanding affordable housing. Over 10 cities were involved.  http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=231645 And most had a festive air as musicians and singers performed in most of these venues. But the protest has been joined by the medics protest and the parents protest that their children's schooling is unaffordable.

I was at the Jerusalem march - it was massive! Thousands of Israelis - young and old, took part in it. Some banging drums, tin cans and shouting slogans. Nothing violent, but the crush was frightening. It started from Mamilla Park (Independence Park) up through King George Road (Great Synagogue ... but protesters made sure it was after the end of the Sabbath in order to start the march!!), turned at Mashbir (Talitha Kumi) down Ben Yehuda Mall, rounded at Zion Square back to Mamilla Park through the tiny alley (where Zuni, Tmol Shilshom, Sakura etc are situated.. ). It was massive!

Before the march, I went to visit an acquaintance Arik who ran a mini-mart next to the Great Synagogue. He looked good. Haven't seen him for over a month or more - I go there to update my phone credit. Lots of marchers were popping in to buy drinks and Arik was busy doing a brisk trade. he was big time happy - grinning from ear to ear! In fact he was so happy he came round the counter and hugged me and said "Haven't seen you for a long long time, man!" .. when his usual was just s handshake. Well he was so busy with clients I left him alone. But before leaving the shop, he made me promise to come over tomorrow morning when it's alot quieter. Said he had a present for me. Well ...... that's a good enough excuse to go back tomorrow ...