Tensions

Mounted Police in E. Jerusalem

Tensions were rising in East Jerusalem as more police and soldiers are stationed along key points. The closing of the Mughrabi Bridge that leads to the Temple Mount, the vandalism of mosques in villages .. all have culminated in youths attacking police near the Holy Sepulchre this morning.  It has nothing to do with Christians of course ... so for the attacks to take place so close to the basilica is nothing but pure provocation to involve Christians.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-police-arab-youths-clash-near-jerusalem-s-church-of-the-holy-sepulchre-1.402788

Giant hanukia at Zion Square

And with Hanukkah today, more Jews are going to the Wailing Wall to pray and this provides more occasions for violence. But this has not dampened the festive spirit. People still go about enjoying the feast of lights, shopping for sufgoniot and enjoying the sunshine that we've been experiencing these 2 days. It's been strangely warm but the suddenly at sunset, the cold rushes in and woe to those who aren't prepared for it. It gets terribly cold from then on throughout the night. And the past 2 mornings we've had heavy dewfall ... the ground is wet and the stone pavements in the Old City are very slippery. Even the Mt. of Olives was covered by mist.

Christmas is round the corner and rain is forecast for Sunday and Monday. Well it won't affect me much as I'm not going to Bethlehem. I have to hold the fort as few of us remain during the holiday.