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.