Eid al Adha

Bagpipers on the march

So yesterday began the muslim feast of Adha when they commemorate the sacrifice of Abraham of his son Ishmael (not Isaac as in the judeo-christian tradition). Sheep are slaughtered and the meat is cooked and offered to the poor. For once the muslims organised a parade to celebrate this event. It started from Damascus Gate and ended down Lions' Gate. A stilt-walker led the way surrounded by children and following behind were 3 groups of marching bands. It was a simple affair to say the least but for the muslims it was a great affair as for the first time they could march down the Muslim Quarter just like Christians do several times a year (Easter, Christmas, May 1st) as well as Jews.

Yesterday also was the commemoration of Rachel, wife of Jacob. Jews flocked to her tomb at Ephrata, which today stands at the entrance to Bethlehem. The Israeli checkpoint was closed. In fact the entire road from the Mar Elias Monastery was closed. Traffic had to be diverted. Unfortunately for me I had a doctor's appointment in Bethlehem in the afternoon. No buses. Had to take a taxi to the checkpoint but was stopped at Mar Elias by soldiers saying the road was closed and the checkpoint too. Had to take a pirate taxi costing 100 shekels to bring me to Bethlehem through the southern town of Beit Jallah. And that was not all the trouble.

Road to Bethlehem closed

Got to the specialist clinic only to find the doctor was not working because his brother died that morning. Now I had problems going home as the Bethlehem checkpoint was still closed. Luckily the arab bus from Beit Jallah started functioning (the sun had set) and I managed to find space in the packed bus. Everyone else was muslim trying to get to Jerusalem to pray at the Al Aqsa Mosque for the Adha feast. But we were held up at the Beit Jallah checkpoint. Everyone had to get down the bus for security checks except me, a mexican tourist and an elderly man. Even toddlers with mothers had to get off the bus. We were held up for half an hour as several religious muslims with turbans and beards were not allowed to enter Jerusalem. Finally managed to reach home. It was a 2 hour journey which normally would take 40 minutes.

Well, I'll have to wait to see when my next appointment will be.