Riots in the streets

Students confront police
under the arch

A morning full of riots. As early as 6am I heard stun grenades shot in the Al Aqsa esplanade. The area was closed off and students of the 5 schools in that esplanade were left stranded in the streets. Slowly a chanting angry mob grew and police had to rush into the streets to break up the crowds. It was a running battle up and down the street in front of our house. We had to close the gates and wait out till the violence died out by noon. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/1.585794
We hear tomorrow morning will be the same. Apparently this was all caused by a group of jews who entered the esplanade to pray. Whatever it is, the violence might affect the Holy Thursday and Good Friday celebrations. As it is, the police will be closing off all roads leading to the Holy Sepulchre and entry is only by tickets. Now with this violence, more parts of the City will be closed off.

Full moon over Jaffa Gate

The moon is full for the Pesach. It's magnificent especially when it hovers just above the City Walls. The weather has also warmed up. It's pleasant and forecast is it'll keep up for the rest of the week. We hear that the Coptic Pope has upheld the ban for Coptic Christians to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem. But no one is listening to him. This year a record number of Copts are here for Holy Week. They have outnumbered the Russians who traditionally form the largest pilgrim group for Easter each year.  http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Egypts-Coptic-Church-says-holiday-travelers-to-Israel-will-be-punished-348458

Well tomorrow is Maundy Thursday and Chrism Mass will be celebrated in the Holy Sepulchre early in the morning. I will be joining the parish for the Mass of the Lord's Supper later in the evening. Will be praying for you all.