1st of Adar

The expected riots erupted this morning - arab muslim protesters throwing rocks at Israeli security. Already early in the morning, I saw lots of police and soldiers marching into the City. It was tense. Then the violence erupted later towards midday. 26 people injured.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/muslim-worshippers-israeli-police-clash-at-jerusalem-s-temple-mount-1.414627

Well the tension is likely to continue the next few days. Frankly I'm getting tired with all this violence ... I got to get out of this City or I'll go mad. Too bad it had to happen on the first day of the Jewish month of Adar - the month of great joy when Purim is celebrated.

Thanks to Mary por por and Cavero family for their generosity. All other gifts for the poor and donations - see http://holylandassist.blogspot.com

A typical morning at Damascus Gate (before the riot took place) - trucks unloading products from China or the Territories to be sold in the shops inside the Old City. Guys cart them off and earn a little something for the day. It's all hard work. The guy in the picture was overloading his cart ... just a few seconds after this photo was taken, the entire load fell off the cart and he had to repack them. Perhaps that's a lesson in life here in this City ... things fall apart, but you just have to pick up the pieces and start all over again.