Day of Horrors

This morning - very early - a terrorist rammed a hijacked taxi into a security check-point in front of a club, wounding 8 people and stabbing many others. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/terror-attack-in-tel-aviv-leaves-eight-wounded-1.381250

Then just a few hours ago a woman was stabbed to death in a 5 star hotel.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/australian-tourist-found-stabbed-to-death-in-tel-aviv-hotel-1.381357

Warnings of further terrorist attacks were sounded by the Min. of Defense. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/barak-gaza-groups-planning-new-major-terror-attack-on-israel-1.381345

And tomorrow is Eid il Fitr - the last day of Ramadan where thousands of muslims are expected to come to the AlAqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Security is super tight. And tensions are running to snapping point.

All we can do is pray that reason over-rides emotions.

3am Saturday

 Dome of the Rock at 3am, with crowds around

3am and the incessant, rhythmic chanting of the muslims at the Al Aqsa mosque opposite woke me up. Went up to the terrace to see what was happening. Thousands of muslim worshippers were praying from the mosque all through the esplanade to the Dome of the Rock sanctuary (the Golden Dome mosque that covers the rock where Abraham tried to sacrifice Isaac and where Muhammad ascended to heaven).

By 3.30am the crowds began to spill out to the streets, on the way home to eat their meal before the fast begins at 4.15am. From the terrace I can smell barbeque. Every kitchen is busy with activity. A woman pushing a wheelchair was hurrying home. Four Israeli soldiers weaved through the crowd in the street below, guns in hand. Youths smoke and laugh loudly. Shops selling food down the street are doing brisk business. It's the last Saturday before Eid il Fitr - the end of Ramadan. Just 2 more days.

The cannon will soon be fired and rock the entire City, signaling the beginning of the fast for today. Just for 2 more days.

Immense crowds

Crowds walking down Nablus Road to the Old City

The crowds that came to the Al Aqsa Mosque to pray today were huge. Traffic was diverted to peripheral roadds because the main road leading to Damacus Gate and Herod's Gate were blocked with people. Till noon prayers, only men over 45 yrs were allowed. Later for the afternoon prayers at 4.30pm the ban was lifted and men below 45 yrs were also allowed. The crowds grew even larger. Fortunately no incidents occurred. The only violence took place at Qalandya north of Jerusalem.

Last Friday of Ramadan

The bombing of/from Gaza has intensified in the last 24 hours.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/tensions-flare-as-barrage-of-rockets-strikes-southern-israel-1.380697  Both Israel and Gaza have suffered casualties. And this does not seem to end ... not least as today is the last Friday of Ramadan. In view of this conflict, the Old City of Jerusalem will be closed again to men under 45 yrs. and this of course will only cause more hatred as these young men cannot pray in the Mosque. A vicious cycle. I think things will only get worse as September draws near and the declaration of Palestinian statehood is touted.

Healthwise I've been very fatigued. Unable to walk any distance. Perhaps it's the heat. I just feel so drawn. And the tensions around are not helping. Have stayed in bed the whole day yesterday. One good news is the doctors' strike has ended.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israeli-doctors-strike-finally-ends-after-five-months-as-landmark-deal-inked-1.380681  That means I can go consult the doctor and see what the next step is for my health.

Wake up!

This photo says it all. No, it's not a morning call ... it's a protest sign in a park near the Great Synagogue by the tent protesters. Well, Jerusalem certainly woke up early this morning ... not because of the Muslim Muzzein who started singing over the megaphone at 4.30am but the cacophony of bells being clashed at the Holy Sepulchre by the Greek Orthodox Christians. It lasted a full 33 minutes ... the clash (literally because Greek Orthodox bells do not have tongues that swing but are struck/hammered by hand from the outside; and their bells are not tuned) of bells started at 5am. I wonder what happened. It certainly caused a racket that woke the living and the dead.

And waking up has certainly been a problem for me this week ... a dreadful fatigue has overtaken me. I need to rest a hour or so in the morning and another hour in the afternoon. And yesterday when I needed to go to Ratisbonne which is 2 km away, I found out I couldn't even walk at normal pace. Even 80 yr. old women with walking sticks were overtaking me.

Sadly the Israeli Court is going ahead with deportations of foreigners' children born in Israel. It's a cleansing that will spread its grasp not just on children but eventually adults as well. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israeli-court-rules-to-deport-4-year-old-daughter-of-foreign-workers-1.380631 

Lost in space

Have been feeling very confused and disoriented yesterday and today. Maybe it's the heat - 33 degrees and very dry. And of course there were the sleepless nights because the muslims celebrate their meal till 1am and wake up to restart their meal at 3am; with fireworks, chants, drumming.

This morning Majed's whole family came over - Majed is our doorman. There was his wife, his 5 sons Majd, Amir, Yoyo, Hmoud and Adam. We played around in the courtyard and had some fun with mosquito larvae and flowers ... don't ask me how or why. Then Jeremy came with a group. He's a british Israeli guide whose warmth and sincerity is always a pleasure to encounter. He stood at the gate, grinned ever so broadly and stretched out his hands to hug me. It's been like 4 months since we last saw each other because I moved out of Jerusalem. It was really great to see him again. That sorta settled my confused and disoriented brain ... with something familiar that I can anchor onto.

Am trying to get back to reading up and writing my thesis. But the brain is not up to it ... will have to force myself. It's like the brain is lost in space ... floating somewhere out there. I think it's the lack of sleep and probably food. I'm taking massive doses of antacid because I think I have ulcers in the stomach. Am beginning to eat a bit of food. Here's an example of my lunch - rice in yoghurt, fuul (Fava beans) and chopped ham. It's got the carbos, protein and other stuff that I lack in my body. Hopefully that'll bring the brains back to earth.

Choo choo

The Jerusalem Light Rail is finally running! After 7 long years of mismanagement, embezzlement and pure chaos. Now its running 2 weeks free of charge. Crowds of families wait eagerly at the stations for the free ride .... typical.

The City is still tense though not as before. Next Tuesday night is the last day of Ramadan. Expect some happenings! I want to get away.



The weather is 33 degrees today, sunny and dry. Lips are cracking. Everyone is shielding themselves from the blazing sun with hats and veils. I guess a ride in the train would just be great ... it's air-conditioned.

Red alert in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is now put under red alert for terrorist attacks. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=234782 and http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/jerusalem-police-raises-alert-level-after-warnings-of-terror-attack-1.379864

Muslims restricted from entering the Old City and mosque, resulting in riots and clashes at Damascus Gate. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=227416

The situation is descending into a dangerous level.

Violence

Chaos and consternation as the Old City gates were totally sealed off at 4.30pm. No one allowed in or out. Soldiers and police rushing up and down the street, doing house to house search. Apparently the word spreading around is an Israeli police was stabbed - *to death, according to some*.

I was just going out to the holy Sepulchre when it happened. Our doorman had closed out gates for security and told me not to go out but I needed to go to the basilica so he urged me to run there, get out of the streets. I got to the Sepulchre and remained there until 6.30pm when I could return home ... the gates were reopened but military presence was every few metres apart. Tension in the streets.

Meantime Gaza fired countless rockets into Israel. Israel right now is retaliating by bombing Gaza. The escalating violence is worrying countries all around.

Is this it? Is this the beginning fo the war we were expecting?

Saturday subdued

Behind the van are 3 soldiers in the shadows

A rather subdued day ... cloudy though hot, with a cool wind blowing strongly. The City reflected the weather. Soldiers everywhere, people move about quickly and silently. Everyone trying to avoid eye-contact, confrontation ... even street-vendors are quieter than usual. Even the shop-keepers along our road are silent - just a nod, no words, no greetings.

Here's a picture of yesterday's tense moment in the streets during Friday muslim prayers. The police closed off the Al Aqsa Mosque and worshippers began milling around the streets outside in great agitation. The imams in the mosque were calling out over the PA system - fire and brimstone. We expected a riot but it didn't occur. The soldiers came into the streets and dispersed the crowds.

Gaza continued to fire missiles into Israel - damaging Ashdod, Ashkelon and Beer Sheva. Israel retaliated with bombings. Let's hope this is not the beginning of the war we dread.

I'm trying not to let these things get to me ... resting in bed and reading up. Tomorrow Ilie is marrying Ema ... fantastic! Will be praying for them ... the wedding is back in their homeland - Romania.

Lighten up

On a lighter side ... to move our minds away from our present problems, here's a highly creative name for a shop ... right in downtown Tel Aviv.

Healthwise I've had several moments of pain from the hernia but nothing serious like last week. I discovered that lightening up helps alot for pain relief ... a good laugh, reading a comic, being with friends, telling jokes. Laughter is still the best medicine.

Terrorist attack

Terrorist attack in Eilat yesterday stumped the country. Not that there was an attack but that it was very well co-ordinated and obviously planned way in advance. The first attack on public Egged bus reminded us of the bus bombings in the first 2 Intifadas.  http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/bus-driver-recounts-long-minutes-of-terror-attack-1.379444   Israel's response was swift. It bombed Gaza several times last night. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/coordinated-attacks-in-south-kill-8-1.379428

Now the whole country is tense. Is this the beginning of the war we were expecting? Today is Friday and we think the muslim crowds in the mosques will react violently. Better stay indoors.

And the Light Rail system in Jerusalem finally opens - after 6 years delay and lots of mismanagement. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/jerusalem-s-light-rail-system-opens-to-the-public-after-years-of-delays-1.379436  Like we have been saying all these years ... a terrorist attack will mark the opening; and we were right.

Phruit phenomenon

Out of action yesterday. Was so confused I got everything wrong. And then the pain came at 3am. Need to rest now. The weather is pretty agreeable now - cool breeze blowing daily. But groups have disappeared from the streets - everyone is talking about war.

But for curiosity's sake, here is a heart-shaped plum that Sr. Vincenta found in our fruit basket.

Feast of the Assumption

Today we remember Mary assumed into heaven body and soul upon her death. Went to the Tomb of Mary in the Kidron Valley this morning. Small crowd. Went in and knelt and prayed for each and everyone of you.

I'm sure the prayers also rose into heaven as the tomb was the place where the Assumption took place. The tomb is carved out of rock and protected by glass.


The Custos presided at Solemn Mass next door at the Basilica of the Agony (Gethsemani). Very crowded. Had a meeting with him in the hermitage behind the Basilica after Mass.

The gastro-intestinal infection is over. And the hernia doesn't hurt as much because I was in bed the whole day yesterday. Will see what the next move is ....

Rain in August!

The weather has changed ... very cool in the nights and morning. A cool breeze blowing throughout the day. It actually rained yesterday up in the north! http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/rain-falls-in-central-israel-in-surprise-summer-shower-1.378543  A very nice respite from the heat. But the social heat is just turning up - Confrontation between authorities and tent protesters ... some predict violence is round the corner. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/tent-cities-are-not-illegal-outposts-1.378486 and the Health infrastructure falls apart as the medical strike hits public. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/strike-brings-israel-s-public-health-system-to-a-standstill-1.378529  The doctors and medical workers are on general strike today  http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/rain-falls-in-central-israel-in-surprise-summer-shower-1.378543

Am resting in the hope of ridding the gastro-intestinal infection. The hernia of course hurts ... but it'll take time to see what can be done.

Saturday 13th

Spent 2 days in hospital - totally unplanned. They made me fast for 24 hours and lots of laxatives to clean up my system because they wanted to do a gastro-colonoscopy. Spent the most of the day and night in toilet. This morning at 11am they did the scopy. I was sedated so I didn't know anything. Got up an hour later to be told I have a hernia in the diaphragm - that's the cause of all my pain. And I also have a gastro-intestinal infection. And I have polyps in the colon which some were removed for biopsy. And sister said something about ulcers but I lost it in the conversation ... hard to concentrate when you're waking up from sedation. Don't know what the next move is .....

Tonight the largest rally - mother of mothers - will be held in Beer Sheva in the south and Haifa in the north. This time Arabs and Druze are also taking part.

Feast of St. Clare

Today we remember St. Clare of Assisi, the 1st woman follower of St. Francis of Assisi. Her radical choice to leave her aristocratic family and live a life of poverty changed the course of female vocations in the Church. She's known to hold the first hunger strike when the Church authorities wanted to relax her Rule of poverty.

There was a solemn Mass celebrated by the Patriarch at the Poor Clare Monastery in Talpiot, just outside Jerusalem. I guess it was a big affair as I wasn't there.

The cramps have subsided and so has the diarrhea ... the virus is on the way out. But I still have an occasional fever which keeps me in bed. And some sore joints as well.

London bridge is falling down ...

I find it offensive that CNN would even suggest comparing the London riots with the Middle East rebellions. Here we see people living under oppression seeking liberty and democracy, while respecting private property during the demonstrations. In London we see thugs and delinquents who have no sense of decency; looting and vandalising private property. In London we see the failure of responsible parenting, of proper education, the erosion of traditional values and no fear of God. All we saw was greed and mischief - the luxury past-time of a decadent society.

Virus

Yes it's official - I caught a virus. The doc was absolutely sure because he saw many other previous cases. In his own words "The first 6 hours are pure hell" : like don't I know that ... I was holding onto the wall literally crying while suffering the worse diarrhea of my life. The pain was beyond excruciating. Almost passed out several times. Then the fever and chills alternating for 48 hours with cramps and diarrhea. Now I'm recovering in bed .. another 48 hours. Too weak as I only ate one meal in 60 hours.

Vigil of St. Clare

The forceful and illegal removal of protest tents in Tel Aviv has began. Municipal authorities deny ordering it ... but it will surely backfire. They have under-estimated the support the protest movement has from the public and I fear any more forceful removals will end in violence. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=233097

But of course nothing of that sort we see in London. Utterly unbelievable that a modern police force is unable to contain the riots and looting. Even the rebellions here in the Middle East show more respect for private property than those rioters in London ... utterly shameful. The riots in London are motivated by greed and mischief ... the luxury past-time of the 1st world.

Tisha B'Av passed without incident in spite of the massive military presence. For those who want to know more about Tisha B'Av laws, see http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/tisha-b-av-101-1.377812

Meanwhile I think I must have caught a virus. Fever alternating with chills, pounding headaches and muscle aches. And still with the cramps and diarrhea. Or as someone suggested: might be a parasitic attack. Will look into it seriously.

On this vigil of the feast of St. Clare, we pray for her protection and especially the repose of the soul of a dear friend's father.

Tisha B'Av

Last night began the mourning ritual as Tisha B'Av began at sundown. This 9th Day of Av saw the destruction of the temples on the same day 500 years apart - the first by the Babylonians in 587 BC and the second by the Romans in 70 AD.  Observant Jews fast, don't wash for one day, sit on the floor and study the Book of Lamentations. Even the protest movement respected the solemn nature of the day. No music, dance or joyous expressions. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=232970

As the ancient rabbis taught - both temples were destroyed because of the Israelite's idolatry and "baseless hatred" for one another: there was no love for each other, just selfishness. And this brings a poignant lesson to the protesters throughout the country - they are calling for a more caring and loving society.

I might go to the hospital today or tomorrow as my situation isn't getting any better. Less pain today but extremely bloated.

Sick

Today it's the pensioners who go on strike. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/knesset-to-hold-emergency-meeting-as-israel-s-protest-movement-grows-1.377594

I'm totally out of action today. Last night had the worse cramps and diarrhea ever - I was cringing in pain and thought I'd pass out. And I didn't even eat yesterday - just a half cup of coffee, nothing else except for lots of water. Something wrong somewhere. Today I'm just too tired and weak to do anything. Am resting in bed.

Earthquake!

An earthquake rocked Israel this morning - 4.2 on the Richter scale. http://www.jpost.com/Sci-Tech/Article.aspx?id=232804  No one hurt but it was scary ... a preparation for a bigger one soon? All we know is everyone is saying we can't rely on this govt. to deal with an earthquake.

Mother of All Protests

Last night's call for the Mother of All Protests was well heeded. In Jerusalem, thousands showed up.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/more-than-300-000-demonstrate-across-israel-to-protest-high-cost-of-living-1.377295  They marched from Mashbir (Talitha Kumi) down Ben Yehuda, turned around Zion Square into Independence Park, then up Agron Street to Paris Square which is directly in front of Terra Santa College. People from all sectors of society joined in - toddlers in prams with their parents, grandparents, primary school children, handicap in wheelchairs, young adults ... I'm sure the PM must have heard the chants; his house is just behind Terra Santa College. A local friend told me it was the largest rally in Jerusalem in 20 years. Groups with different agenda gathered to call for social justice - as diverse as release Gilad Schalit, cheaper housing, education, medical services, cost of fuel .... Notably missing were orthodox Jews and arabs.

Towards 10.30pm a very strong and very cold wind began to blow. Those who came unprepared, like me, decided to go home. Crossing back into East Jerusalem, another huge crowd had gathered - the muslims breaking their fast. The open market at Damascus Gate was packed with vendors and people. But there were also many soldiers and police.

Transfiguration

Sleeping by the sea, hearing the crash of waves on the coastal wall, the fresh salty wind blowing ... it helped me relax a little last night. I managed to sleep 3 hours ... which is good; and I had no asthma. And had an appetite as well. It was a nice start to the Feast of the Transfiguration. Solemn Mass is being celebrated on Mt. Tabor right now.

Tents in front of U. Bank

Religious Jews celebrating the Sabbath

Banners, chants and lots of people

Last night, Apollinario, Hugo and I went out for dinner. The Thai restaurant was fully booked so we went to a sushi restaurant "Moon". On the walk home, we went through the Tent City along Rothschild Boulevard. I couldn't believe my eyes. I was there on the first day of the protest and there were only 10 tents at the angle between Rothschild and Ben Tzion. Last night I saw the entire length of the Boulevard almost a km. long filled with tents - and occupied by very diverse types of people: students, parents and children, old people, religious and secular. Bands were performing at several junctions, a clown was entertaining the many children camped out there, religious Jews were singing psalms ... even the scouts have a section of tents of their own. Tonight begins the Mother of All Protests http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-protest-leaders-prepare-for-third-weekend-of-mass-rallies-1.377242  They expect a massive crowd not only in Tel Aviv but throughout the whole country as well.

The Ramadan crowd and market at Damascus Gate was very subdued this morning - due to the massive military presence. Soldiers and police everywhere. People just moved on quickly, vendors don't shout their wares ... it was a nice change form the chaos. Let's hope the rest of the weekend will pass without any major incident.

1st Friday of Ramadan

As expected, the 1st Friday of Ramadan was filled with tensions. The police closed the city gates and only men above 45 years were allowed to enter the City;  hence into the Dome of the Rock Mosque to pray. Soldiers everywhere. I've decided not to stay for Fridays of Ramadan, after last year's "happening" when Majed our doorman and I got beaten up. This morning during Mass, muslims boys came into our courtyard, smashed glass bottles and shouted several times. I decided to move to my other house then and there. Walked a km to the bus station and took an hour's ride out to the Mediterranean Coast. The sea-breeze is good for me - no asthma and gave me a great big appetite. I ate 2 plates of white rice, boiled eggs, shredded raw carrots - all prepared by our cook Silvia who always paid attention to my diet. Only greed spoiled the fun - had a piece of pan fried salmon (oil) and had diarrhea and cramps immediately.

More protests - this time African migrants who pitched tents near the Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv to protest lack of housing. So taxi drivers are on strike, parents and toddlers are on strike, doctors and nurses and all medical staff are on strike, students and young people are on strike, municipal offices are on strike ... let's hope the military and police don't join in.

And being 32 degrees and weekend, the beach was crowded with families. Nice fun for them. Good to see people being able to relax here ... quite unlike Jerusalem where everyone is cramping up with tension. I think more people die of heart attacks in Jerusalem than in Tel Aviv.

Thursday of discontent

Today multiple protests take place adding to the ongoing housing demonstration: taxis go on strike http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/taxi-drivers-join-israeli-social-protest-wave-block-main-tel-aviv-road-1.376925, parents with prams demonstrate  http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/stroller-marches-to-take-place-across-israel-in-fresh-round-of-protests-1.376839 and the medics continue their hunger strike  http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israeli-doctors-finance-ministry-reach-breakthrough-head-of-doctors-union-ends-hunger-strike-1.376810.

Meantime most people think the epected September violence will not happen. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israeli-report-says-palestinian-violence-in-september-unlikely-1.376807  Let's hope so.

Qatayef feast

Yesterday's Haaretz featured a disturbing article on discrimination. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/israeli-courts-must-end-anti-arab-discrimination-1.376666

More protests planned for today and Saturday. The protesters think the Knesset (parliament) has "spit at them" instead of addressing the issue. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israelis-respond-to-new-housing-law-protests-and-more-protests-1.376765

One thing I like about Ramadan is qatayef. It's a pancake with walnuts. Absolutely fabulous! Firas our kitchen helper bought 6 for 18 shekels ... that's the normal price. But if I go and buy, it's 5 shekels for one.

St Mary of the Angels

Yesterday was the Feast of the Porziuncula; that is, the chapel of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi. It has a very special meaning to all franciscans as St. Francis loved it above all the little churches. There he found his vocation, there he received St. Clare into the Order, there he died. There is a special indulgence for those who go churches dedicated to St. Mary of the Angels.

And here's a picture of the tent-protest in Independence Park (Jerusalem). Compared to the Tel Aviv counterpart, it is a lot more serious; possibly ebcause it's very near the PM's residence. Journalists say the Jerusalem protesters are more focussed and experienced.

So far no violence so hopefully things may get resolved soon. There're lots of people - young and old - participating in this tent-out.

And here's a photo of the night-lights at Damascus Gate during the 2nd day of Ramadan. It has been a rowdy affair - and as usual the muslim boys fired explosives at our gate near midnight. It's going to be a long, awful month for us. I'm getting harassed.

St. Alphonsus Ligouri

Today we remembered St Alphonsus Ligouri, the founder of the Redemptorists and moral theologian. I wonder if he works miracles for stomach cramps and diarrhea. Had a severe attack yesterday after eating rice and chicken. And looking back 3 days, I realised I was eating moldy food (rice and chicken as usual) that I kept in my room for  couple of days. Yucks. And the peaches ... the last three have also gone moldy but I ate them. I believe penicillin is good for you!

Ramadan started last night with fireworks exploding the whole evening. Crowds in the muslim quarter pushed their way through to the mosque. The wakers went their rounds at 3am waking everyone up to eat before the fast began today. In the morning the streets were deathly quiet, shops were mostly closed.

In Israel, offices and shops also remained closed but because of a general strike. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/most-israeli-municipalities-declare-general-strike-in-solidarity-with-housing-protests-1.376251    Meanwhile Lebanon and Israel exchanged fire early this morning. Bad sign for regional stability - if there is such a thing. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israeli-and-lebanese-troops-trade-fire-across-border-1.376340   And a shootout between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians at Kalandya resulted in two arabs dead. And so Ramadan begins.