Riot

The rains are still continuing. Almost 36 hours with occasional sunny moments. That is good. And the temperature has dropped drastically. Winter clothes are back again. And almost every shop in the street is selling umbrellas ... to tourists of course. Locals don't use umbrellas. Rain is a gift from God so jews, muslims and christians alike go out bare-headed to receive God's blessing.

Riot Police making arrests
as the Gate was blocked off

Despite the cold wet weather, there was a demonstration in Damascus Gate. I unfortunately was caught in the middle of it. Had to go to meet a group in the hotel but at Damascus Gate, stun grenades exploded. Arab youths were rushing into the City, knocking me down. Soldiers were running behind them. In a brief moment of calm (= no shootings), i rushed up the stairs of the Gate and from the top another contingent of soldiers rushed, after firing 3 stun grenades. Managed to take some photos. Everyone was running for cover from the grenades. Arrests were made and everything went back to normal .... meaning the Gate was emptied of people.

This aside, Purim is in 3 days' time. It's a carnival-like atmosphere with people wearing costumes and masks. Think of Halloween. It's always fun, but with the recent incidents like the riot yesterday, security will be super tight in pedestrian areas and malls. Might not be so fun after all.