Hot is back

The weather is hot like summer today .. except for the occasional wind that reminds you it's winter. Oh I was referring to Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan area. Had to go for my checkup this morning. But had to wait till 12pm for my turn. Brought along a book so I read quite alot for my research. Jerusalem though is still cold.

Damascus Gate getting packed
with crowds this evening

Today is the muslim feast of Mawled an Nabi - the birthday of the prophet Muhammed. The Old City was packed with muslims on pilgrimage to the Al Aqsa mosque. Chants filled the air the whole day and night from the minarets. It was festive. For a 2nd time this week, local business did a brisk trade ... marking up their profits.

Meanwhile in Israel, the PM is meeting Lapid the leader of Yesh Atid party - a new kid in the block, founded only last year but is the party that won the 2nd largest amount of votes. Pretty tough party this one - wants to continue with settlements in Palestine and building the wall. I guess the Israeli public wants to hear that - what with the chaos in neighbouring Syria. It also addresses the economic problem ... something which certainly won them votes from the cash-strapped masses. And fear among the ultra-orthodox jews as this party aims to draft their males into the army ... something they have managed to escape for the past 40 years. The next few weeks are going to be interesting.