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.