Ups and downs

Coptic Orthodox
Bishop Sidrak visits
the exhibition

Today was a very tiring but satisfying day. We organised a small exhibition of some ancient books from our library in Aleppo, Syria. Most were 15th century books. It was a small statement to show how open the society in Syria was 500 years ago, with free exchange of ideas, cultures, languages and religion. Compare it now with ISIS burning books, destroying ancient artifacts and killing people who don't share their interpretation of Islam. Unfortunately thousands more books remain in Syria and it is only a matter of time before ISIS destroys them all.

Many people came in the morning, including the Coptic Orthodox bishop. Many were amazed at the diversity of books ... including a gregorian hymnal written in Aleppo itself, and an italian-arabic phrase book, spiritual writings by St Bernard and St Chrysostom, and theological works by Thomas Aquinas. The books bear testimony that the christian roots in Syria are firm and resilient, and christianity will never die in that ancient cradle of christian faith.

But meantime there were lots of police car and ambulance sirens outside in the main road ... we were wondering if there was another attack down at Damascus Gate. The tension added to the atmosphere of the exhibition.

Ethiopic monks march in solidarity
with ethiopic jews in Tel Aviv

Meanwhile Ethiopic Jews continue to demonstrate in the streets of Tel Aviv. Today the Orthodox christian monks came out as well to support their jewish co-naitonals. The court's decision to find the policeman innocent while the video showed him attacking an ethiopic soldier has caused great upset among the community.

And there's been shocking news that Druse living in Israel have attacked twice israeli ambulances carrying wounded syrian rebels. Israel is doing compassionate work, helping wounded syrians whether rebels, govt soldiers or refugees into Israel for medical attention. But the druse hate the rebels who are persecuting their fellowmen inside Syria, so they ambush these ambulances and killed the wounded syrians. Terrible.